Whoooooooo?
Aug 20th, 2008 by 'holic
‘Holic, have you had a bang on the head?
“No, why?”
“Arsenal can do no wrong in your eyes. What can be so bad about signing Mikael Silvestre”
“Are you trying to wind me up? We need a big centre-half who will earn a starting berth and solve our issues defending set pieces. Experienced he may be, cheap he may be, but he is a utility defender with a dodgy injury record.”
“You’re really not impressed, are you?”
“Do me a favour. You seriously expect me to be pleased about this fella possibly starting ahead of Djourou, or Senderos? Fine if he is our new back-up left-back while Traore finds his feet, but this is not the major defensive capture we need.”
“Best hope these rumours are just that then?”
“You wouldn’t chuckle pal. I’m off for a drink. I think I need one now”.
64 Responses to “Whoooooooo?”
we’re finally in bizarro world
Yikes
IF, it’s true, he’s a backup for Clichy for a couple of years until Gibbs, Traoré or Botelho are ready. Wenger has faith in Touré, Gallas, Senderos, and Djourou – and so do I!
What planet are you on
Maybe not the ‘rock’ we’ve been looking for, but he’ll do for cover. How many full/centre backs, with EPL, CL, and national team experience, under 31, can you find for 750K. He might not be ideal he’s more than good enough for the short term. Plus he brings ‘big’ game experience.
done and dusted…confirmed on ssn
Its true. It was just confirmed on the BBC that he signing has gone through.
WTF is happening? Nice to have experience, but I thought we were gagging in midfield.
I know lots of fellow gooners will be searching for ways to welcome Sylvestre to the club (for god’s sake isn’t it bad enough we have to curb any animosity we feel towards Ade!), but I can’t help asking myself these two questions:
How many times did I watch him play for manure and think “Wow, I wish he played for us”?
How loud will I cheer when the stadium announcer lists the team and gets to Mikel ……………..?
It’s not a done deal yet, but the weight of reporting from various sources suggest it is imminent and let’s be honest it would be pretty typical of Arsenal to sign him (rwitness the ‘risky’ Coquelin)
I posted this on an earlier blog this afternoon .
Silvestre……………………….
I cannot improve on ARSEBLOGS emotional reaction to the news we’d signed Silvestre.
I would imagine most regular contributors to this site would, like myself be scratching around trying to find some logic/positives to the news. I commented a few days ago at how poor I thought our PR was, and once again we seem to be giving out a rather depressing message…………we’re not one of the big boys really – just been punching above our weight – not my belief, but the way it may look to others.
Silvestre is:
1. Not good enough for manure
2. Injury prone
3. 31 – we wouldn’t even give DB a decent contract when he was 30+
4. We have Traore, Song, Djourou etc etc
5. He’s not the big CB we perhaps should consider
Back to the PR. AW said that he was loathe to bring in too many new players as he didn’t want to discourage the up-and-coming youngsters???? He may well let Traore go out on loan and that could do him good but is Silvestre really that much better than him? The only thing he offers is experience, but should’t we have looked to get that from a player in their mid twenties who still has a career ahead of him?
Silvestre??? Can someone make me feel more positive than I presently do about the Silvestre signing??
toure as flaminis replacement, anyone?
This news has ruined my life.(well maybe not. but you know what i mean) It seems Arsene is trying to destroy us. All he does lately is play the kids and buy no1 good. Dont get me wrong, im all for youth but our invincibles team had mostly players in theis mid20s.
and now he actually pays money for a big headed bandage-boy. C’mon arsene stop messin and spend some money on quality signings.
Why all this negative talk about Silvestre? He is short term; he has played at the higest level; He is the big CB that we need until Djourou matures; Kolo could now become are defensive CM as it is obvious he cannot play along side Billy.
This is just the signing so many of us have been crying out for over the past 2 years. Where we have lacked is in defence AW has now moved to improve us here and all we get is negative views.
Don’t forget
IN ARSENE WE TRUST
This provides depth in our squad. Its not a great buy but its a good buy
I don’t see why we Gooners are up at arms about this! I mean we got him for less than a million quid, he will be good cover for us at LB and CB and he’s a proven winner. It’s purely a short term solution and I think he’s gonna prove to be an excellent signing. Anyone remember what Gary Mccalister did for Liverpool?
Well said LewyD24
I can’t believe some gooners are saying we should play Toure at CM. Wenger’s already said he doesn’t have the stamina and technique to play there and why would you play Toure ahead of Song or Denilson?
Probably a cunning plan from Wenger to detract the booing from Ade. I suppose he’ll be good back up to Clichy because Traore’s a winger now and Gibbs is probably going out on loan.
It’s gonna be awkard for him, sitting on the home bench at the Emirates.
jo i agree i think he will be a starter at cb with kolo dm, not best pleased tho, still wanna top dm singed
Sorry Fabregas’ dad, I think he will be a starter at CB and Kolo will convert to DCM, where did he start his career? He now has more experience and sorry I can never remember AW questioning his stamina and technique. But I do think we still need to sign a DCM and soon
good business arsene. silvestre may be old but as people have said he brings experience. the only reason he’s not getting in at man u sh*ted is that vidic and rio are 1st pick. rather him in a big game than senderos. i like him and djourou but history has taught me to be cautious! welcome mikel, time to play some proper football!!
it makes me worry about gooners. first there is not enough strength in depth and we need some experience in the team, particularly in defence, and then a guy is signed who gives us all that plus he’s a proven winner. and what do we here but a lot of moaning – ooooh he used to play for Manu, he’s too old. FFS grow up the lot of you.
CHILLAX everyone! This is a squad signing. He is a GREAT back up / cover / whatever. Why such a backlash?? There will be another CM signing I’m sure. And breathe…..
Paul,
Are you satisfied to buy a player that is not good enough for manure? Do you really think they would let him go to us if they thought he was going to significantly strengthen our squad?
If this is the much maligned signing i think Wenger should get in line for the dole.
Old purple nose has gone soft.
Rasputin
I’m afraid I am with Paul on this a great short term signing which gives us the experience we have all been crying out
TH14
I appreciate where you’re coming from, but experience without quality is no better than quality without experience. He never covered himself in glory when playing for manure in his prime – why should we expect greater things for him now.
I have said many times that I don’t feel defensive substitutions work for us – it alters the whole dynamic of the team and we defend too deep. I hope AW hasn’t bought him with this in mind.
A BRILLIANT MOVE! We needed a centreback more than anything else in this world. Kolo was a MIDFIELDER before and should be a one. He has proved last season that he is not a good defender though with his shooting, heading and defensive cover .. he is perfect for DCM.
i like him because hes cheap he has experience and he’s from manchester which means that the relationship between SAF and AW has improved so we can sign more good players from man u like CARRICK
Silvestre has also won the premiership last year and could let us in on how SAF tactics r.
in AW we trust
Hmm. Still don’t believe this one. Is it the start of April?
In all fairness, I suppose this signing will quell the man dem screaming for A) experience and B) a CB. Well here’s your man!
Can’t see him playing a huge roll this season, true – but he will serve a good CB rotational player throughout our many front in quest for total domination. Just bring in 1 more signing (defensive midfielder) Wlonger, then we’re set to win a bit of everything.
For real.
Does anyone think Silvestre looks like this a bit TOO much like this guy http://xerto.free.fr/toad1.jpg
tg
Silvestre made only 5 appearances for manure last season – hardly amounts to winning the premiership…
I can’t help thinking this sends out the message that (a) we’re skint (b) we’re desperate (c) we can’t compete with our rivals (Chavs and Manure).
Although I could be wrong. He’s from a winning team. He’s very experienced. He’s not played much 1st team football so will be fit after a few games. He also hasn’t cost us too much. He’s strong and very versatile.
I trust Wenger. I will continue to trust him. But I’ve said before. He’s next two signings (of which this Silvestre signing is one) are going to prove to be the most important of his career at Arsenal. I sincerely hope he has got it right!!!!
the truth is,this geezer silvestre has been there done it ,he’s old skool and i think will pass wisdom on to big phil and johan djourou, a calming influence,experienced head! willy is the captain but i dont think he is quite the educated calm speaking teacher type some youngsters need neither is kolo ,i regard this as our remi garde 2008! dont expect to see him play for arsenal unless our injury list gets super high!
kolo cant play centre midfield ,he couldnt hold the ball if he tried! lets be honest ! he does not have the composure of a midfield player or the brain ,although on the defensive side he would be pretty good!
i remember when manure signed laurent blanc ,barca signed that other french pensioner centre half, sometimes you just need someone who can give advice ,its nice to be nice!
I don’t think Kolo will go into midfield. He is not the great ‘white hope’ we’re looking for in that position. If he is, maybe that signals we are in the financial quandery the press has been suggesting for so long…..and I don’t think we are!!!!
This is purely a cautionary move to provide cover and competition for Clichy. I also believe (& hope) Wenger will still yet splash the cash by signing a DM.
Does anyone know how Inler played in the friendly against Cyprus (Switzerland won 4:1) He has to be favourite for the ‘big signing’
Good move IMO, it’s a tactical move as cover in both LB and CB.
I however agree with most of you that this is NOT the ‘experienced EPL player’ that Wenger was talking about…I doubt if Wenger would wait for Silvestre to agree terms and even go for a medical at Man City before calling him back…
We should had our DFM by the Wednesday anyway!
holy shit!
its bat country man!
We better get a GR8 central midfielder by Wednesday, or I’m going to set myself on fire like that Vietnamese guy did ages ago.
We can but hope, GoonerCornez,
Large straight Irish whiskey for me please, ‘holic.
Coming straight up, garden dweller.
Sainsbury are chucking in a free Canada Dry ginger with Jameson’s at the moment….
Rash devils that they are 😉
Oh Shit. Been checking the AFC site all day (with much trepidation) and nothing – and now this!
What the fuck is going on.
MS is/was/will always be shit; oh and he’s a fucking crock.
How can anyone think this is a positive signing? What next? gary fucking neville on a freebie?
AW, if you’ve got money spend it on someone worthwhile (and cheap?) AND BUY A DEFENSIVE MID-FIELDER!!!!
If you haven’t got the cash then don’t bother bringing some worthless piece of shit like silvestre to the Grove: I’d much sooner see the kids.
This is rapidly turning into the latterday Graham era – and that was totally shite. . . . .
So, for how long does this Canada Dry offer last ‘holic?
For God’s sake what were you expecting Wenger to sign? A Sergio Ramos or a Puyol??
Arsenal fans are so fickle. They wanted an experienced defender, and experience doesn’t come in any better than him with 10 major trophies with Manure. So why do they gripe now?
Maybe we all have to reserve personal judgement until the transfer window closes next week?! If AW signs a defensive midfielder between now and next week, I believe no one can doubt that this Silvestre signing will prove to be a tactically astute bit of business, on the basis that Clichy needs back up for his position (of which there is presently none) as he needs competition to keep him razor sharp.
On the other if there is no further signing, I really do not see how Mikael Silvestre will be that essential jigsaw piece designed to introduce that all important defensive midfield commanding position that we (more particularly Cesc Fabregas) so desperately need.
In the meantime, has anyone got the hotline to doctor Beaseley please???
holy shit!
its bat country man!
Heh.
Morning all, I see the madness is continuing everywhere.
Mojito please barman.
Sorry to bang on about this one (it’s been troubling me all night – LOL). To be honest, the more I think about it the more I believe this is a good purchase by Le Boss (perhaps my utter detestation for all things Manchester United got slightly in the way a bit).
Mikael Silvestre…..
1.He certainly knows how to play in the prem.
2.He has lots of experiance playing at the very highest level.
3.Despite his age, he is pretty fast, i.e. a Wenger type athletic player.
4.He doesn’t shy away from tackling, putting the boot in.
5. He provides fantastic defensive cover for at least 3 possibly 4 defending positions.
I now look forward in earnest to our next signing!!!
Wenger is clearly taking the piss now. I’m getting fed up with this shit. It’s high time someone questioned the board about the clubs ambitions and where it’s heading.
whats with all the moaning? you who are moaning would be moaning come february if clichy and toure were out injured and we had to play with traore and someone else to partner willy! it makes our squad stronger, fact. its very very low risk – fact. we will still get a central midfileder (i hope) so it only strenghtens a title big. i wonder how many of the moaners will be at fulham away on saturday? stick to the pubs and armchairs, cos any gooner going away all over the country will be glad of a player like silvestre in the squad. remember old trafford away in fa cup? traore or silvestre? i know my answer.
Amidst all the speculation over MS, CB’s and DFM’s, there seems to be an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with Toure’s role as CB.
He is a player who has previously been seen as pivotal in the defence but now seems by some to be regarded as the weak link. I just wondered where this is all coming from.
Phrases like tactically inept are being used where in the ‘invincibles he was a ‘rock’.
Pint of the blackstuff and a large scotch please guv? Do us a toastie if you could, n’all? Ta.
Last season we looked shakey at the back with Gallas and Toure. Wenger has bought a defender, who is proven and has experience to try and rectify the defensive shortcomings.
That is all that’s happened.
How come I didn’t see this blog yesterday at all?!?!?
Very very weird.
It is being reported that AW was watching the Switzerland game yesterday. The emphatic ‘we will make an important signing before the Twente return leg’ suggests that it is likely Inler will be an Arsenal player before wednesday – or I could be wrong! The Sylvestre purchase cannot have been planned/premeditated as he was in the process of having a medical for City – that one just fell into our lap.
Good morning Rasputin. That is good to hear….I wasn’t aware Le Boss was there. All of which points to the Inler signing being imminent. As I proposed earlier, if AW signs the all important defensive midfielder between now and next week, I’d be very happy with the sum total of his transfer window bargaining.
Very fair play IMHO.
Would you??
Morning Don,
Yes I’d settle for that too. Like everyone I was a bit shell-shocked at the Sylvestre news, but actually I agree it is probably an astute signing – who expect anything different from Le Boss?
This whole thing seems to have been rushed through with indecent haste. If Djourou now goes out on loan just because we`ve signed an injury-prone ex manc, I think I might have to go out and get drunk to ease the pain. however, when you consider that the fabled Arsenal back four found a new lease of life on Wenger`s arrival, it may be the masterstroke that Frank Mac. seems to believe. Why oh why though, haven`t we gone for a proven high-class defender with potentially many years at the top with Arsenal. Arsene will now HAVE to sign a big name midfielder to placate the fans and convince them that We are not just letting it all dribble away because he is afraid to open the purse strings.
A ‘proven high-class’ defender like whom might I ask? Who is available that has indicated he would like to come to play for Arsenal before the transfer window closes?
Plus I don’t quite see your point. As I understand……this signing was a last minute deal that Wenger went in for despite and not because of whatever shenanigans are going on in the background to sign a defensive midfielder (seems Inler???). In other words, the two issues are completely unconnected.
Last minute haste does not always lead to destined favour…..does it?? In all honesty I admire AW’s prudence and pragmatism.
Best wishes to Liam Brady and family.
A Wizard A True Star.
How about Kompany – who look slike hes about to sign for Man City !
B’bum,
I don’t think AW has ever done anything to ‘placate the fans’, he is always totally focussed on his vision for the team – only allowing his concern to balance the books in financial terms to affect his purchases.
With AW, we have the only truly ‘WYSIWYG’ manager in the prem.
Hello d.
Yes, I heard about the Vincent Kompany possibly going to Man Citeh (seems Hamburg have accepted a bid)!! Thanks….good suggestion.
It’s difficult to comment on this guy because I haven’t really seen him week in week out – although he;s clearly a talent. On the other hand let’s not forget that none of the ‘big’ teams in Europe have been after his signature so I struggle to see what he has to offer more than a utilitarian and experienced stalwart like Silvestre.
Feeling very dim, Rasputin explain ‘WYSIWYG’ please. Am I the only one? Must be the excellent Shiraz!!
Computer terminology from the 1990’s = what you see is what you get
So in that case it certainly doesn’t describe Arsene as we don’t have a clue what hes doing!! He is anything but transparent.