WestBrom.com
West Bromwich Albion FC Forums => West Bromwich Albion FC => Topic started by: royhan on August 08, 2019, 08:26:41 AM
-
We are in talks with Charlie Austin, Sky Is reporting.
-
Personally think Austin would be a good goalscorer for us
-
Mark McCadam on Twitter - the guy who is always on the 9am transfer show.
Sky Sources:
West Brom in talks with Southampton over a deal to buy Charlie Austin.
#SaintsFC #WBA
-
Mark McCadam on Twitter - the guy who is always on the 9am transfer show.
Sky Sources:
West Brom in talks with Southampton over a deal to buy Charlie Austin.
#SaintsFC #WBA
Backed up in the mail
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7336373/Transfer-news-West-Brom-line-double-deadline-day-swoop-Charlie-Austin-Chris-Willock.html
-
Charlie Austin is head and shoulders above any strikers we’ve been linked to over the past couple of days . Get it done
-
Charlie Austin is head and shoulders above any strikers we’ve been linked to over the past couple of days . Get it done
Another Ricky Lambert, keep well away!!
-
Austin doesn't do it for me. Terrible injury record, and already had the chance to come to us earlier in the window and was very dismissive, from what I recall.
The young winger from Benfica is interesting. We seem to be building a young, developing, ambitious squad with plenty of future resale value.
-
The comparisons between Austin/lambert are a joke.
He would be a quality signing. Can't believe some wouldn't take him. Good job some aren't managers. Wed be in real trouble
-
Daily Mail says Austin is a loan.
Jason Burt of the Telegraph reports that it is a permanent deal. He has never been renowned for knowing much about us but he appears to be particularly close to Bilic so could be some truth in it.
I do not like the idea of Austin; a player with a record of injuries, past his peak having not been successful in recent times is the exact profile of player I prefer to steer clear of. He may prove to be a good addition but I prefer us to stay away from this profile of player. fortunately the rest of our signings this summer haven't been of this profile so one risk may be ok. He certainly will be suited to playing the lone man up front better than Gayle.
-
Wasn't too keen on Austin but, with the amount of wingers we are bringing in, he could get an absolute hat full in this league (I think I could get 10 ). Would also replace Rodriguez as penalty taker so that would certainly be in safe hands.
QPR mate says we win the league if we get him, rates him as a beast from his time there.
If fit, this could be the 20 goal striker we need, let's not be too quick to write him off.
-
The comparisons between Austin/lambert are a joke.
He would be a quality signing. Can't believe some wouldn't take him. Good job some aren't managers. Wed be in real trouble
I agree. Austin would be terrific in this league. Get him in.
-
Austin doesn't do it for me. Terrible injury record, and already had the chance to come to us earlier in the window and was very dismissive, from what I recall.
The young winger from Benfica is interesting. We seem to be building a young, developing, ambitious squad with plenty of future resale value.
Nonsense. His injury record last season was fine. He either started or was on the bench for more than 30 games. Yes he turned us down earlier - didn’t want to leave Saints and didn’t want to drop down a division. Nothing wrong with wanting to play in the PL.
Would be an excellent signing and would soon be a cult hero here.
-
Matt Wilson
@mattwilson_star
·
2m
As reported elsewhere, #wba are trying to sign Charlie Austin on a permanent deal from Southampton. Striker is travelling to the Midlands this morning for talks
-
I agree. Austin would be terrific in this league. Get him in.
Only comparison I can see is that both played for Southampton. Nothing else .
As you say, get him In
-
Matt Wilson
@mattwilson_star
·
2m
As reported elsewhere, #wba are trying to sign Charlie Austin on a permanent deal from Southampton. Striker is travelling to the Midlands this morning for talks
Charlie Austin on a perm deal is very confusing.
If you compare it to us signing Gayle, you would argue that its very similar.
Austin is older
Austin and Gayle would probably be offered the same wages
Austin may cost a few million less
Overall the deals would be very similar, high wages, no sell on value. Makes the whole comments about not signing Gayle very bizzare.
That being said, a fully fit Charlie Austin in a championship team with Sawyers, Krovonovic, Phillips, Edwards, Pereria all supplying him, you would hope he would hit 20 goals.
-
Austin, subject to the medical, would be a great signing. I do worry about his fitness, but at this level he will score goals for fun as he has done previously.
-
Charlie Austin on a perm deal is very confusing.
If you compare it to us signing Gayle, you would argue that its very similar.
Austin is older
Austin and Gayle would probably be offered the same wages
Austin may cost a few million less
Overall the deals would be very similar, high wages, no sell on value. Makes the whole comments about not signing Gayle very bizzare.
That being said, a fully fit Charlie Austin in a championship team with Sawyers, Krovonovic, Phillips, Edwards, Pereria all supplying him, you would hope he would hit 20 goals.
Think Southampton are desperate to get rid of him so the fee could be a lot cheaper than we think compared to Gayle’s reported £15-20million
-
Austin is the wrong side of 30 and hasn't got into double figures since 2015. If it's a loan, then fine; if it's a permanent signing with any significant fee, it's bad business. I also hope he's not the only striker we plan to bring in. If he is, we could be in trouble.
-
Charlie Austin on a perm deal is very confusing.
If you compare it to us signing Gayle, you would argue that its very similar.
Austin is older
Austin and Gayle would probably be offered the same wages
Austin may cost a few million less
I would suggest that his wages would be less, the transfer fee obviously would be less and also the Austin deal would probably be a two-year contract, maybe even a 1+1 but Gayle will be seeking his last big deal and would want a 4-year deal I would imagine. The Gayle deal would cost the club far more. Finally, Austin will suit the 4231 we played on the weekend better than Gayle.
-
Charlie Austin on a perm deal is very confusing.
If you compare it to us signing Gayle, you would argue that its very similar.
Austin is older
Austin and Gayle would probably be offered the same wages
Austin may cost a few million less
Overall the deals would be very similar, high wages, no sell on value. Makes the whole comments about not signing Gayle very bizzare.
That being said, a fully fit Charlie Austin in a championship team with Sawyers, Krovonovic, Phillips, Edwards, Pereria all supplying him, you would hope he would hit 20 goals.
Offered the same wages doesn't necessarily mean they'd be accepting it. Gayle reportedly on huge wages.
I think Austin is a good shout, i'd be happy. I think with the injury record a young under study could be needed.
Talking about it on SSN now.
-
Austin went all of last season uninjured didn't he? I think it is a bit of an obvious signing and also one that could have been done earlier in the window, but if he stays fit he has the track record at this level to get between 15 and 20 goals.
Decent option, even if i'd prefer us to have unearthed a bitnof a gem from abroad.
-
Austin, subject to the medical, would be a great signing. I do worry about his fitness, but at this level he will score goals for fun as he has done previously.
Austin has rejected us in a previous transfer window and earlier on in this.
He's getting desperate. Is he likely to come in get himself on the treatment table as much as possible and pick up his pay checks?
-
Charlie Austin. Well past his best. 2 goals in 25 appearances last season. Wrong side of 30. If previous reports are to be believed, not especially motivated to come here. Would he be a good signing? I don't think so. Those advocating signing him are remembering the Austin of a few years ago, not the current one.
-
Charlie Austin would be a great signing for me....wrong side of 30?? hes turned 30 a month ago!!
He wills score a lot of goals...exactly what we need
-
I would be happy with Austin, with the strength we will have on the wings (assuming the Perreira and Diangana deals come through) he will bury the crosses.
However I would like a 2nd striker (either a loan for a youngster from a big club or someone like this Buksa) to give more options should we get injuries.
-
His last good season was 14/15 with QPR.
I'm wary
-
I would take Austin as he is a proven goalscorer, unlike so many forwards. Bit worried he's turned us down previously, but maybe those other Prem clubs are not coming in for him. Bit like us really. We'd probably take Gayle as a preference, but if he's not on offer, we take the next best. But we must absolutely have another goalscoring striker.
Otherwise Zohore, Burke and HRK are the options up top.
-
A fit Austin wound be a good Austin always liked him. But!
-
I'd be happy with Austin, fits into the system we are trying to play and has a good solid goal scoring record (134 gls in 291 games (inc subs) in league for all clubs). His injury record is a slight concern but the fact he's played pretty consistently for last 18 months takes the edge off it for me.
-
Austin having a medical at training ground according to this
https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-proven-pl-player-undergoing-west-brom-medical-after-terms-agreed/
-
Deserves his own thread:
https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2019/08/08/southampton-striker-charlie-austin-in-talks-with-west-brom-over-deadline-day-move/
-
Is this a done deal then??
-
Is this a done deal then??
Not quite - but there are concrete links and it will prevent a good, reasoned discussion being lost in the tat thread.
Good goalscorer in this division - hopefully he will work well with the likes of Krov.
-
I don't fancy him. This seasons Ricky Lambert.
-
IMO 5 years too late.
We missed out on him for £1m when he went to the Saints, we were livid back then- he hasn't done a lot since.
-
Good signing at this level, will get chances with those around him
-
Holloway raving about him on sky
-
I don't fancy him. This seasons Ricky Lambert.
Will be a way better signing than Lambert imo. If we were a premier league club I wouldn't say this but, at the level we are currently, he is good.
-
Holloway raving about him on sky
Holloway is raving anyway with or without Austin
-
Good signing, only 30, very good finisher
-
a quote from our friend mr tigg on fb
Hopefully Charlie Austin leaves and goes West Brom. Will do good in the championship but has an awful attitude.
-
Townsend kanu Anelka lambert sturridge
No interest in coming here
Way past their best
Not fit
Cynically looking to squeeze one last pay day out
Zero on sell value
how many times do we have to make this mistake for us to learn not to repeat it
Im so disappointed
-
Townsend kanu Anelka lambert sturridge
No interest in coming here
Way past their best
Not fit
Cynically looking to squeeze one last pay day out
Zero on sell value
how many times do we have to make this mistake for us to learn not to repeat it
Im so disappointed
He's just turned 30. Nothing like the others.
-
We need someone to stick the ball in the net, that's what he does. I don't care what else he does or what he thinks.
-
Townsend kanu Anelka lambert sturridge
No interest in coming here
Way past their best
Not fit
Cynically looking to squeeze one last pay day out
Zero on sell value
how many times do we have to make this mistake for us to learn not to repeat it
Im so disappointed
Kanu was 28 (allegedly) and was ace
Townsend - 36
Anelka - 34
Lambert - 33
Therefore Sturridge is the only genuine comparison to Austin in terms of age, but that was in the Prem, so Rodriguez and Gayle are a more like for like.
-
He's just turned 30. Nothing like the others.
In fact Austin is younger than Rodriguez!
-
Not sure what to make. Whenever we sign a Lambert/ Kanu/ Andelka/ Hartson there is always a feeling of “fox in a hen houseâ€- a great striker dropping down a division and playing against poorer defenders should be able to walk in the goals. In practice, I can only think of SKP as a “once great†striker who stepped down to us and did brilliantly...
-
Sky Sources:
CHARLIE AUSTIN passes medical and agrees a deal to join West Brom from Southampton.
Fee believed to be around £4 million.
2 year deal with a one year option.
#SaintsFC #wba
-
Townsend kanu Anelka lambert sturridge
No interest in coming here
Way past their best
Not fit
Cynically looking to squeeze one last pay day out
Zero on sell value
how many times do we have to make this mistake for us to learn not to repeat it
Im so disappointed
Would rather stay in PL - wouldn't you?
If he was at his best we wouldn't be in the market for him
By account has had a reasonable last 12 months fitness wise? And still popped in the odd PL goal
I don't see many footballers out there who go onto be charity workers and I imagine Southampton will need to iether contribute to his wages or pay him off.
1 year left on his contract so should be minimal outlay
Beggars and choosers....we WANTED the Albanian!!
Be disappointed when he breaks down after five games having scored no goals.
For the position we are in (Championship club on last day of the window) he would be a decent signing. Compare to Wells and Hogan who have already moved.
-
Townsend kanu Anelka lambert sturridge
No interest in coming here
Way past their best
Not fit
Cynically looking to squeeze one last pay day out
Zero on sell value
how many times do we have to make this mistake for us to learn not to repeat it
Im so disappointed
Austin wanted to stay in the Premier hardly at a stage of looking for one last payday.
-
As the saying goes “beggars can’t be choosersâ€!! I think if he stays fit and and determined he should get us a good 16-20 goals especially if he’s taking penalties. We’re so desperate for recent proven goal scorers I can see why some are disappointed and feel underwhelmed seeing that he’s only scored 9 goals in two seasons. Regular playing time a drop in division with good service it could turn out to be a good addition. Am glad it’s only a year long loan deal though!
Would be thrilled to see us sign another striker in the next couple hours!
-
Sky Sources:
CHARLIE AUSTIN passes medical and agrees a deal to join West Brom from Southampton.
Fee believed to be around £4 million.
2 year deal with a one year option.
#SaintsFC #wba
Had expected a higher fee, but nevertheless pleased we've got another, or even one, recognised goalscoring striker.
-
if he stays fit
Thats the big issue. Good goalscorer, just need him up to speed and firing.
-
Had expected a higher fee, but nevertheless pleased we've got another, or even one, recognised goalscoring striker.
I didn't expect there to be a fee at all, and can only think the £4m was wanted by Southampton to pay him off. Would have much preferred a loan though.
They were desperate to get him out so I hope we haven't paid him stupid wages and a fee.
-
being reported in several outlets that he has now signed.
-
CHARLIE AUSTIN passes medical and agrees a deal to join West Brom from Southampton.
Fee believed to be around £4 million.
2 year deal with a one year option.
-
If he stays fit for most of the season I reckon he will be one of our top players and make a big difference. He's a proven finisher, just what we need.
-
CHARLIE AUSTIN passes medical and agrees a deal to join West Brom from Southampton.
Fee believed to be around £4 million.
2 year deal with a one year option.
Talksport reporting he's taken a massive wage reduction to come to us, but that doesn't mean he was paid off by the Saints.
I hope he bangs them in for us. Welcome and good luck.
Shame Nketiah is going to Leeds.
-
Potentially a good signing if he stays fit. We will have plenty of capable players to provide the ammunition for him
-
Would have preferred Gayle but we desperately needed a goalscorer up front and Austin definitely fits the bill. Very happy with this one. He's a great finisher so you'd expect him to do well with the creative players we have around him.
-
Really pleased with this one. Good fee and contract length. Think he's an upgrade on Rodriguez too personally.
-
Let's not jump the gun, signing hasn't been completed yet. Until it's official he's not ours, no matter how close.
-
Not sure what to make. Whenever we sign a Lambert/ Kanu/ Andelka/ Hartson there is always a feeling of “fox in a hen houseâ€- a great striker dropping down a division and playing against poorer defenders should be able to walk in the goals. In practice, I can only think of SKP as a “once great†striker who stepped down to us and did brilliantly...
I'd argue that out of that list only Hartson played with us below the Prem and wasn't that bad. The other 3 all signed and played for us in the prem so hardly dropped down a division to play against poorer defenders..
-
Passed medical and agreed terms just waiting for the holding of the shirt!
https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/2019/8/8/20783144/gossip-charlie-austin-reportedly-completes-west-brom-medical-southampton-saints-transfer-news-update
-
Sam Wallace, chief football writer for telegraph and very well respected in media has reported the deal has now been completed. Would imagine we will see a confirmation tweet from club in next 30 mins.
Hope the rumours of a poor attitude are incorrect, as on the face of it he could do well here.
-
Interesting to read it was a loan deal he turned down with us earlier in the Summer, wanted a bit of security, cant blame him!
-
Sam Wallace, chief football writer for telegraph and very well respected in media has reported the deal has now been completed. Would imagine we will see a confirmation tweet from club in next 30 mins.
Hope the rumours of a poor attitude are incorrect, as on the face of it he could do well here.
I remember him really losing his pooh over a goal being disallowed - don't mind that!!!
-
Signed
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2019/august/austin-joins-albion/
-
Announced at 3:16. Wrestling geeks will be laughing their pubes off.
-
£4 million fee, 2 year deal. And the greatest announcement time ever.
-
Cant wait for Saturday - although he hasn't really played pre season so may take a couple of weeks to get going
Welcome to the Baggies
-
Great signing. Get in. Now we're looking like the business. Perreira next please then if I die today I die happy lol.
-
Genius. And a great signing. Improvement on the outgoing J-Rod.
-
Never been a great fan, always thought he fancied himself a bit too much, but if he wants to let everyone know he's still around by knocking them in in the champ for us, I'll be happy with that, he could be a real bully in this league.
-
Very pleased about this. Good goalscoring pedigree and a bit of a ruthless streak about him. From the photo, seems to have gone grey rather rapidly.
-
He's got the finnishing prowes that we need in & around the box,Great price along with the right lengh of contract.
Welcome Charlie,Bong Bong.
-
Welcome to The Hawthorns Stone Cold Charlie!
-
Officially signed https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2019/august/austin-joins-albion/
-
Goal scoring record in the championship of 70 in 132. That’ll do the job.
-
Very pleased about this. Good goalscoring pedigree and a bit of a ruthless streak about him. From the photo, seems to have gone grey rather rapidly.
It was all the worry in case he didn't put pen to paper in time. ;D
-
Welcome Charlie. :)
£4m for a proven goalscorer in championship, good deal by the club if he stays fit.
-
Welcome aboard the good ship Albion Charlie
-
Welcome Charlie
So excited for this season ahead now!
-
Welcome Charlie. :)
£4m for a proven goalscorer in championship, good deal by the club if he stays fit.
One injury plagued thirty year old but proven goalscorer out and one thirty year old injury plagued but proven goalscorer in....with a million plus quid in the bank and another £5m to come?? Is Jeremy back in the building?
Happy with that!!
-
taken a significant pay cut, nice hair. welcome charlie
-
Announced at 3:16, classic! Stone Cold Charlie...
Great signing
-
Not only his obvious goals record but has the nous and experience to help others along.
-
If he can emulate Kevin Phillips then it's shrewd.
-
Good news indeed. Welcome Charlie
-
Announced at 3:16, classic! Stone Cold Charlie...
Great signing
What's the significance of that?
-
interested to get peoples views as to wether Austin and Zohore could be a partnership?
-
interested to get peoples views as to wether Austin and Zohore could be a partnership?
Just watched their highlights and yes, definitely. Options.
-
What's the significance of that?
Austin 3:16 says I just whooped you're ass
-
Austin 3:16 says I just whooped you're ass
Wrestler Steve Austin’s introduction to WWE stardom;
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/what-does-stone-cold-steve-austins-316-actually-mean
-
Was a bit worried how much we were paying due to his injuries but £4m is nothing if he gets near full fitness in this league he will kill it. Welcome to the Albion Charlie!
-
Happy with this. The title is ours.
-
For the fans worried about his injury record, just to point out he hasn’t been injured since jan 2018.
If we can get a tune out of him he will score 20+.
Great signing especially at the price.
-
For the fans worried about his injury record, just to point out he hasn’t been injured since jan 2018.
If we can get a tune out of him he will score 20+.
Great signing especially at the price.
Bang on. I think it's signing of the day for the Championship.
-
This has to have been intentional. Hats off to the Albion media team. For the wrestling geeks , Charlie Austin’s announcement was at 3.16 . Austin 3.16 ;D
Think we’ve got our last away day theme , stone cold Steve Austin theme ;D
-
4m is an absolute steal if he recovers the form he's capable of. Strong, good in the air and both feet if he hits the ground running he more than capable of hitting 20+ in this league.
-
A smashing signing at Championship level and a fair fee when you context all of this with some of the crazy money flying around I’m English football of late.
I like the squad and the options- there will be games where Zohore will lead the line alone when we want to play away from home and pack the midfield for example but there will be games where Austin leads the line and/or a partnership.
I think the squad has good rotation options all over and that is crucial in this league in the busy schedule and long 46 game season.
-
This has to have been intentional. Hats off to the Albion media team. For the wrestling geeks , Charlie Austin’s announcement was at 3.16 . Austin 3.16 ;D
Think we’ve got our last away day theme , stone cold Steve Austin theme ;D
And that's the bottom line 'cause Stone Cold says so!
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7WlBpBV7jI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7WlBpBV7jI)
His 100 goals with a banging song too.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7WlBpBV7jI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7WlBpBV7jI)
His 100 goals with a banging song too.
I'd be satisfied with him scoring that many for us... ;)
-
No reason why Austin can't do what Gayle did last year. Similar scoring record at both prem and championship level, and not that much of a difference age wise.
Injuries will be the bigger question, but if he stays fit I think he gets 15 plus goals.
-
Just been reminded by a fan on Twitter, Austin and Phillips played together at QPR, I’d forgotten about that.
-
Awaiting Stans thoughts on the Austin deal.
-
Awaiting Stans thoughts on the Austin deal.
B M W when I worked there.
Hope he proves to be a Bloomin' Mindblowing Worker.
-
Welcome to the club Charlie!
We lost 50 goals from last season, but he should get 20 for us. Let's do this!
-
Happy with this. The title is ours.
Please don’t say that.... very positive nonetheless.
-
Is he a penalty taker?
JRod's 8 scores without a miss needs replacing.
-
Is he a penalty taker?
JRod's 8 scores without a miss needs replacing.
Looks to have a decent penalty kick in him if that 100 goals video above is anything to go by.... but of course they won't show misses in a goals video ;)
-
Looks to have a decent penalty kick in him if that 100 goals video above is anything to go by.... but of course they won't show misses in a goals video ;)
According to this he's scored 21 and missed 3 in his career.
https://www.transfermarkt.us/charlie-austin/elfmetertore/spieler/129627/saison_id//wettbewerb_id//plus/1#tore
-
Is he a penalty taker?
JRod's 8 scores without a miss needs replacing.
Missed at Milwall to pit us back in the game. We fell away from automatic that weekend.
-
Love it how so many on here moan about this signing and about the same number praise it. Hillarious.
He's in an Albion shirt now lads, let's get behind him and support him.
-
Awaiting Stans thoughts on the Austin deal.
Yes we tweeted each other earlier at the time I didn't have the details and the reason I was sceptical wasn't because he isn't Dwight Gayle as I have never thought he was coming back and was not obsessed with him as was the case with the more hysterical parts of our fan base.
Stuff I don't like.
He is 30 and I was hoping that we would get through the window with Sawyers being the oldest player we were going to sign.
He falls into the category of established proven player from further up the pyramid who is joining us on the downslope and generally those signings have lead us to where we are today and I didn't want to see another one.
Stuff I am kind of neutral about
Injury record, there is no denying his time at Southampton was hampered by injuries but the good news is the injuries do not appear to have a single underlying cause e.g. a damaged knee or persistent muscle problem so other things being equal there is no particular reason why he should not stay reasonably fit.
Goal scoring record. In general I don't share the excitement about his previous Championship level scoring record largely because 3 seasons have lapsed since he has had a really heavy goal scoring season. I never like it when fans or pundits point to something more than a couple of seasons old to justify a signing because it generally means we have just bought a lemon. That said I think he will score goals but possibly not quite the volume people are anticipating but that is not a big issue.
Stuff I like
Tactical fit is spot on. It is very obvious that whatever shape Bilic goes with it will feature a target man as a focal point of the attack and Austin ticks this box.
The deal. When I commented earlier I was fearful that we were spending an awful lot of money to bring him in (enough even to legitimise criticism that we could have bought in Gayle for the same amount) . £4m is as much as I would want to spend as a complete write off but the fact we have a two year deal and we have managed to tidy away his current contract as part of the fee means we can afford to keep him next year if we don't go up and he is not earning an unreasonable wage for a Championship club.
Overall this is okay and maybe the best deal we could have struck on transfer deadline day. Or put it another way I am not shooting envious glances down the road at Bristol City.
-
Missed at Milwall to pit us back in the game. We fell away from automatic that weekend.
Sorry.. very true
I guess I just try to block that one from my memory :)
-
Missed at Milwall to pit us back in the game. We fell away from automatic that weekend.
the Millwall game was in April we fell away from automatics when we got beat by Sheff Utd and then by Leeds in Feb/March.
-
It was the drubbing by Leeds that done us in. Awful performance and management.
-
the Millwall game was in April we fell away from automatics when we got beat by Sheff Utd and then by Leeds in Feb/March.
We didn't because they kept losing/drawing but it's by the by.
-
We didn't because they kept losing/drawing but it's by the by.
we did because we never managed to make up the places again.
But as this is the Charlie Austin thread: welcome to the club Charlie, hope to be celebrating many a goal.
-
One thing with some goalscorers it's a natural gift being in the right place etc ala Bomber Brown looking at the goals he scored I would say Austin falls into that category it's not speed he relies on for his goals just a natural ability to pop up in the right place and the coolness to finish I would put him down for 20plus goals provided he stays fit.
-
One thing with some goalscorers it's a natural gift being in the right place etc ala Bomber Brown looking at the goals he scored I would say Austin falls into that category it's not speed he relies on for his goals just a natural ability to pop up in the right place and the coolness to finish I would put him down for 20plus goals provided he stays fit.
He managed to do this twice last season in 20 matches. Six times the season before in 24 matches.So your argument doesn't have any recent evidence to back it up.
-
He managed to do this twice last season in 20 matches. Six times the season before in 24 matches.So your argument doesn't have any recent evidence to back it up.
Obviously, it's all about stats apparently he had his share of injuries in the time period you mention and playing for the Saints in the Premier chances would be harder to come by hopefully than he will find playing for the Albion in the Championship take Gayles record for Newcastle for example, the proof will be in the eating I have complete faith that as long as he gets on the pitch he will score goals for us.
Dwight Gayle the season before he joined us scored six goals in 35 appearances for anyone wondering how well he did before he joined us and by way of comparison.
-
Good signing for this level, I expect him to replace the goals of Rodriguez, maybe in similar fashion with a fair few penalties. I do expect his performance level to be quite similar to J-Rod where he may not do much at times but I think this is a good level for him, I am sure of double figures.
He is a bit of a presence like Zohore, I would have liked a more dynamic striker maybe as well as Austin but that has passed now and hopefully the boys just in behind can do the running.
-
His goal yesterday may have been easy, however, he followed the ball, anticipated it hitting the bar or staying in play and that's what we have missed in these first few games; killer instinct and experience. Get him up to speed and on the pitch for 70-80 minutes and then full games and hopefully he'll flourish.
-
I noticed he was always talking to and directing the midfield telling them where they should be.
Give it a few weeks to settle down and I think we'll be fine
-
I noticed he was always talking to and directing the midfield telling them where they should be.
Give it a few weeks to settle down and I think we'll be fine
I hope and like the idea, that an experieced player does this.
-
;D Reminds me of SuperKev. Has the same "tenacity" and is an in "the box" type of poacher. Will pick up the scraps or rebounds...not bad with his head either.
Think he will be a threat to defences all season...one of those you can't take your eye off when you are a defender.
-
Needs to get his fitness levels up ASAP. Clearly a good player with a footballing brain but he wants to get that brain (and his feet) moving into the right areas at the right time. He was blowing out of his backside after ten/fifteen minutes against Millwall.
-
As good as Gayle in this league. Should score 20+ goals. Great signing.
-
Ricky Lambert springs to mind, hope to be wrong but he needs to take a half chance sooner rather than later else Zohore should get another run.
-
He worked hard yesterday and set up Phillips first, but hard to see either him or Zohore hitting double figures at this rate.
Not sure he is that suited to playing up front alone, especially when our attacking midfielders are much more suited to playing more play maker type roles (as opposed to a Stirling/Ronaldo type who almost plays as a second forward).
Hope he finds his place in the team as Zohore's cameo yesterday didn't really threaten enough.
-
Big shout to Charlie for breaking his duck today.
Thought it would be another game where nothing went for him, but he kept preserving and got his reward.
Seems to enjoy playing for the club, works unbelievably hard, is clearly a leader and has a good connection to the fans already. Gave us a clap in the Smethwick after missing a chance when we were singing his name.
Can tell he’s well liked and respected by the entire outfield team going to celebrate with him when he scored.
So glad he got his goal, could see his frustration at half time.
-
Big shout to Charlie for breaking his duck today.
Thought it would be another game where nothing went for him, but he kept preserving and got his reward.
Seems to enjoy playing for the club, works unbelievably hard, is clearly a leader and has a good connection to the fans already. Gave us a clap in the Smethwick after missing a chance when we were singing his name.
Can tell he’s well liked and respected by the entire outfield team going to celebrate with him when he scored.
So glad he got his goal, could see his frustration at half time.
He's not THAT old.
Looked fitter today. Lots of energy and good to see how delighted he was to get a goal. Our best forward on current form.
-
Did anybody see him giving the Cardiff fans stick after the second goal?! It was great!
The fans realky got behind him today and he really ky deserved that goal.
-
Said on Twitter when he signed he is class, just needed to get fit. Some of the criticism has been well over the top.
-
Charlie getting better every game that goal will do him the world of good, can't wait to see a 100% confident and fit Austin in these attack-minded team
-
Did anybody see him giving the Cardiff fans stick after the second goal?! It was great!
The fans realky got behind him today and he really ky deserved that goal.
Yeah I saw that. Thought it was great. I imagine they were giving him stick after the missed chance a few minutes earlier. Shut them up in the second half anyway
-
After the two chances in the first half I just had the feeling this would be his day. Thrilled for him and us.
-
You could see how desperate he was to break his duck but he's been working extremely hard and that was undoubtedly his best performance for us yesterday. He truly deserved that goal yesterday and it was refreshing to hear the support he was getting from the stands and quite frankly the relief from himself and supporters when he finally got the goal. If anything the international break has come at a poor time for Charlie now but hopefully he can keep his confidence up and carry on where he left off when we go to Middlesbrough.
-
Big shout to Charlie for breaking his duck today.
Thought it would be another game where nothing went for him, but he kept preserving and got his reward.
Seems to enjoy playing for the club, works unbelievably hard, is clearly a leader and has a good connection to the fans already. Gave us a clap in the Smethwick after missing a chance when we were singing his name.
Can tell he’s well liked and respected by the entire outfield team going to celebrate with him when he scored.
So glad he got his goal, could see his frustration at half time.
You could say it was a jammy goal ;D
-
i was not a fan of Charlie, was horrified by the signing .. but his goal celebrations kind of won me round - I dont think I have ever seen an Albion player so pleased with a goal !
- shows he does care for the club and fans
-
Really hope he does well for us, but for some reason I just can't warm to him. Absolutely no logical reason why, just something about him. Very odd. :-\
-
Really hope he does well for us, but for some reason I just can't warm to him. Absolutely no logical reason why, just something about him. Very odd. :-\
You’ll be ok as number 19 and 20 hit the back of the net
I wasn’t sure on this signing, but I think he looked sharper and fitter vs Cardiff, goals are everything to strikers , 1 at Middlesbrough followed by a brace against Barnsley and he will fly .
-
Signs are he's fitting in well personality wise. I think he recognises that that there are some very talented players at the club and there's no question of him being on some different level. He could have scored 3 or 4 in the past 3 games e.g. the last ditch block on his shot at QPR. Get the impression he's working hard to hit his best form.
-
Really hope he does well for us, but for some reason I just can't warm to him. Absolutely no logical reason why, just something about him. Very odd. :-\
I warmed to him a couple of weeks ago when the team were on the pitch beforehand. They were all sat in a circle and Charlie was talking to them. He appeared to be talking tactics [from his animated way] and the thing I really noticed was how they were all listening to him. I know its an odd thing to notice but he is there with good intentions so when he scored on Saturday I was really pleased for him. You could see that it really meant something to him as well.
-
He's looked more Ricky Lambert than Kevin Phillips for a few games - lacking pace. good touch but not really effecting games. The past few games, he's been missing chances which is good because he's in there and the team are creating.
He's definately all about goals - he has a decent touch and brings others players in well but if he scores a few games in a row , I think he could light up the team a bit as he gets more confident and be what we've been missing this season - a go to player to get a goal when we need one.
-
I have been a sceptic from day 1, but what I will acknowledge is, he is trying his damnedest for the team, hopefully he comes good and it sounds like its going the right way, so lets hope he has consigned HRK to the bench (or worse) for quite a while !!
-
He has a winners mentality, you can tell by the way he speaks, and incidents like the goal celebration and his interview last season about the refs.
-
I warmed to him a couple of weeks ago when the team were on the pitch beforehand. They were all sat in a circle and Charlie was talking to them. He appeared to be talking tactics [from his animated way] and the thing I really noticed was how they were all listening to him. I know its an odd thing to notice but he is there with good intentions so when he scored on Saturday I was really pleased for him. You could see that it really meant something to him as well.
I would imagine he's telling them that the football they are playing is amazing but, the ultimate goal is sticking it into the net, and the best way to do that is feed him!
The link up play between Perreira, Diangana, Krov, Sawyers, Furlong etc. is fantastic but, let's face it, it's not Austin's game, so, they have to find a way of using their pace and trickery to create space for him. If they do that we will have our 20 goal striker, without sacrificing the scintillating football we are seeing at the minute, and will have a very good chance, not only of promotion, but winning the league.
-
I would imagine he's telling them that the football they are playing is amazing but, the ultimate goal is sticking it into the net, and the best way to do that is feed him!
The link up play between Perreira, Diangana, Krov, Sawyers, Furlong etc. is fantastic but, let's face it, it's not Austin's game, so, they have to find a way of using their pace and trickery to create space for him. If they do that we will have our 20 goal striker, without sacrificing the scintillating football we are seeing at the minute, and will have a very good chance, not only of promotion, but winning the league.
He did have two very good chances presented to him on Saturday before he scored...he didn't do too much wrong when he failed to score but any striker would be happy with two chances like that in a game.
-
He did have two very good chances presented to him on Saturday before he scored...he didn't do too much wrong when he failed to score but any striker would be happy with two chances like that in a game.
He seems to be more content/happy here & every player needs to have that feeling.
I thought at 30 with all his experience he was well worth his contract, can see 3 good seasons in him at least at any level.
-
He seems to be more content/happy here & every player needs to have that feeling.
I thought at 30 with all his experience he was well worth his contract, can see 3 good seasons in him at least at any level.
The best case scenario is that he becomes our Glenn Nuuray, without fraud case of course.
-
Very poor tonight. He’s not going to be the striker that fires us to promotion. Be lucky to get 10 goals this season. Slow, ball bounces off him and unfortunately isn’t finishing the chances youd expect him to
-
Didn't think he had a bad game. His touch was excellent as ever and while he should have done much better with his only chance I have to question the thought process of his team mates, constantly playing the ball into channels in front of him where he clearly hasn't got the pace to get there ahead of the defender, indeed them usually having a head start on him.
-
Didn't think he had a bad game. His touch was excellent as ever and while he should have done much better with his only chance I have to question the thought process of his team mates, constantly playing the ball into channels in front of him where he clearly hasn't got the pace to get there ahead of the defender, indeed them usually having a head start on him.
His touch was excellent? Had you left early?
I can think of at least three occasions where his touch was very poor, one was under pressure, but the other two weren't. He was so cross with himself at one point, he booted the ball into the hoardings.
I thought he wasn't the answer tonight. Had a decent chance and didn't even get it on target.
We desperately needed pace behind their high line. Charlie could not offer it. Ken would have been a better option.
-
I'd struggle to give him 3/10 tonight
Doesn't even get into positions to score.
Looks woefully unfit and slow.
We currently have 3 strikers who don't look like scoring
-
He was hopeless. Can’t fault his effort but no skill, touch poor and couldn’t hit a barn door. He definitely isn’t the answer
-
I haven't knocked him on here or elsewhere yet as I want to give him the chance but to me he just isn't getting into goalscoring positions.
the amount of quality crosses the wide players and full backs put in he should be lapping it up but hes always 1 step in the wrong direction.
-
He’s a complete pony. He’s playing in the most attacking side in the league with some of the best and most creative midfielders and he can’t do anything. Looks shot and has looked like that from day one. I’m really disappointed so far. He’s going to need replacing in January.
-
Legs have gone in my opinion and he ain't getting them back not at his age. Think HRK will score more than this donkey this season only 1 more to get Kanu. Dowling needs to pull his finger out and find Slaven a decent striker in January as his two signings upfront have been poor so far, as for giving Hal new contract does he not like his job.
-
He’s a complete pony. He’s playing in the most attacking side in the league with some of the best and most creative midfielders and he can’t do anything. Looks shot and has looked like that from day one. I’m really disappointed so far. He’s going to need replacing in January.
He's playing in the most attacking team in the league correct! But the most attacking team in the league haven't got a clue how and when to play him in!!?Look at what's happening around him! Don't just be blinkered he had no service at all again.
-
He didn't have a lot of service to be fair, particularly first half. What is disappointing me about Austin at the moment is he's not getting on the end of crosses he doesn't seem to have that instinct to find that half a yard in the area. I'm wondering if he's the type of striker that is best in a two up top? We can't and won't change the way we play to accommodate him though, although we seemed to go 4-3-3 late on yesterday with Pereira as the only wide player and Austin and Kanu through the middle. It's a problem.
-
Not sure he particularly fits the system. Also not sure we set up for the lone striker to score lots. The goals are coming from second row at the moment. Hopefully we go in for another striker in January
-
He's playing in the most attacking team in the league correct! But the most attacking team in the league haven't got a clue how and when to play him in!!?Look at what's happening around him! Don't just be blinkered he had no service at all again.
The voice of sanity, thank you 59.
Last night I lost count of the amount of times he asked for the ball to be played along the ground through the defence, but instead we pirouetted into another sideways pass. He often finds himself offside because the team have not read the situation and the moment is gone but you have nailed it when you say they are not playing him in.
-
The voice of sanity, thank you 59.
Last night I lost count of the amount of times he asked for the ball to be played along the ground through the defence, but instead we pirouetted into another sideways pass. He often finds himself offside because the team have not read the situation and the moment is gone but you have nailed it when you say they are not playing him in.
exactly this.
If you watch his movement, he very regular makes runs and last night made some decent ones but we were taking that long to get the ball forward and playing side wards he then becomes offside and the chance has gone.
hes not the austin he was at 25 and thats why we have him in the championship, but he is still a good player in this league IF we use him correctly.
as i say, we took far too long to get the ball forward last night and didnt create anything for him. in the smethwick end last night he seemed to be the scapegoat IMO.
-
Whether it's him or the system, it's simply not working, his touch and positioning are way off and he just doesn't look like scoring. Trouble is, neither does Kanu, and Ken seems to be out of the picture, so I think it's time to take a risk with one of the youngsters. Soule or Willock need to at least be making the bench. A bit of youthful energy might fit better with the style of Diangana and Perreira.
-
I think it was Vanderlei who wanted a £20 bet that Charlie will get 20 goals + this season ;D after I said that he wouldn't.
I didn't reply at the time because I just didn't see it.
If you have £20 to throw away mate, give it a more deserving cause than me ;D
-
He hasn't missed any open goals or one-against-one with the keeper, as far as I can remember. But as a striker you need to take some of the half-chances coming your way. He will need to start taking some of those.
-
I just don't think he's suited to the lone striker role. Shame really. The efforts there but he's not getting into that many clear goalscoring positions.
-
I think it was Vanderlei who wanted a £20 bet that Charlie will get 20 goals + this season ;D after I said that he wouldn't.
I didn't reply at the time because I just didn't see it.
If you have £20 to throw away mate, give it a more deserving cause than me ;D
I replied to him and offered to take his bet, but he never replied to me. All mouth and no wallet.
I never thought he was a good signing but I was hoping to be proved wrong. I thought he played quite well against Cardiff but the rest of his performances have ranged from ok to poor. Hasn't been a regular scorer at any level in any system for a while now, and can't see any prospect of this changing any time soon I'm afraid.
-
I just don't think he's suited to the lone striker role. Shame really. The efforts there but he's not getting into that many clear goalscoring positions.
He's really always been more of a goal poacher, drifting around in and out of the game and trying to turn up in the box at the right time
-
I'm really struggling with this guy, I wasn't thrilled but was hopeful that in this division he could get a lot of goals along the way, I anticipated a lot of frustration but did think he may be productive. Productive is the exact opposite of what he has been, early yes but I really don't see what he is good at. The ball bounces off him, he loves to fall to the floor, not very quick, lacks stamina and in front of goal there is no end product, he doesn't seem to anticipate and he's had a fair few chances (not guilt edge) that he has just not connected cleanly.
The biggest thing is his petulance, this was a concern coming in and he has delivered on that front, constantly. Obviously things aren't going great but he seems to have such an attitude. A few times I have compared him to an angry child, a big performance by the Smethwick End last night. It's hard to judge a players personality on how you would perceive them to be off the pitch but his outbursts really don't reflect well for me.
This might not be the post people want to read but this is my opinion and I really feel he has proved to be one of the most difficult guys to support in my time watching the Albion.
I will add his goal against Cardiff after a rare good performance brought my biggest cheer of the season and I really hoped he would kick on, that hope is still there but he has a bit of work to do.
-
How much longer do you wait for Austin to come good? It would be interesting to note how many Gayle had notched by league match 14? It's putting strain on the rest of the team with him not scoring and this is from a defensive and attacking perspective. We can't carry this on indefinitely. Obviously HRK is better with 20 min cameos and he's a good option to do that particular role.
I noted we signed a 19 year old French striker from Le Havre's academy recently, maybe he's worth a go? You just never know. If he's quick then you have the option of going direct occasionally and therefore mixing the play. We can't even do that with Austin as he doesn't outpace defenders.
No idea when Zohore is fit again? The jury is still out on him too.
-
How much longer do you wait for Austin to come good? It would be interesting to note how many Gayle had notched by league match 14? It's putting strain on the rest of the team with him not scoring and this is from a defensive and attacking perspective. We can't carry this on indefinitely. Obviously HRK is better with 20 min cameos and he's a good option to do that particular role.
I noted we signed a 19 year old French striker from Le Havre's academy recently, maybe he's worth a go? You just never know. If he's quick then you have the option of going direct occasionally and therefore mixing the play. We can't even do that with Austin as he doesn't outpace defenders.
No idea when Zohore is fit again? The jury is still out on him too.
Very valid points made. I have reached a point where I cannot see him coming good. It’s not just lack of goals either. He’s off the pace in most games, has a heavy touch too. Could go on but don’t like running our own down too much. When Zohore is fit he must play in my view. He’s had nothing like the opportunity Charlie has had. In January we must recruit a striker too.
-
Very valid points made. I have reached a point where I cannot see him coming good. It’s not just lack of goals either. He’s off the pace in most games, has a heavy touch too. Could go on but don’t like running our own down too much. When Zohore is fit he must play in my view. He’s had nothing like the opportunity Charlie has had. In January we must recruit a striker too.
Austin was blowing after 30 minutes like he'd been out last night and had 15 pints. Nowhere near good enough and a hindrance. We actually looked better with ten men as after the sending off he was subbed! He looks like a retired footballer wheeled back out into a competitive match. Such a disappointing signing. Him and Zohore have both flopped. A quality striker has to be focus in January. Until then all we can do is hobble on and rotate.
-
Austin was blowing after 30 minutes like he'd been out last night and had 15 pints. Nowhere near good enough and a hindrance. We actually looked better with ten men as after the sending off he was subbed! He looks like a retired footballer wheeled back out into a competitive match. Such a disappointing signing. Him and Zohore have both flopped. A quality striker has to be focus in January. Until then all we can do is hobble on and rotate.
I've read all your posts about Austin and some of them are are really over the top (that's putting it mildly) that's your opinion and I ain't got a problem with that. But can i just ask you why you hate him so much? Have you ever met him or as he ever done something to harm you? Just wondering.
-
Always admired Austin , I'm desperate to be wrong but he looks blown now . Few flicks here and there isn't enough .
-
Sadly looks like he's lost the magic now and it just hasn't clicked for him with us.
Problem is, HRK is only good from the bench, can't do a full game, Zohore injured. That leaves us with kids we havent tried yet as potential competition (Willock, Diaby, Soule??). Hence why he still gets in the team no problem.
-
How much longer do you wait for Austin to come good? It would be interesting to note how many Gayle had notched by league match 14? It's putting strain on the rest of the team with him not scoring and this is from a defensive and attacking perspective. We can't carry this on indefinitely. Obviously HRK is better with 20 min cameos and he's a good option to do that particular role.
I noted we signed a 19 year old French striker from Le Havre's academy recently, maybe he's worth a go? You just never know. If he's quick then you have the option of going direct occasionally and therefore mixing the play. We can't even do that with Austin as he doesn't outpace defenders.
No idea when Zohore is fit again? The jury is still out on him too.
I've just looked it up. At this stage last season Gayle and J Rod had 8 goals each. I'm afraid it looks like Austin is our Ross McCormack
-
I've read all your posts about Austin and some of them are are really over the top (that's putting it mildly) that's your opinion and I ain't got a problem with that. But can i just ask you why you hate him so much? Have you ever met him or as he ever done something to harm you? Just wondering.
I don’t hate him at all. It’s obvious he’s past it, which is a big problem. First few games you can put it down to a lack of fitness but by now it’s a clear as day that his legs have gone and that we’ve signed another Lambert.
-
Another totally inept performance. Trouble is who else have we got? And I just can’t see the Gayle thing happening
-
I'm not writing him off yet but one game per week looks enough for Charlie.
-
I spent a period yesterday concentrating on Charlie and he must be really easy to defend against, his movement across the line, closing Down space isn’t good enough, he doesn’t have the pace to get away from his marker, trickery and speedy reaction isn’t his game, so I find it very difficult to make a case for him
-
I'm giving Austin the benefit of the doubt for the timebeing based on him being a proven goalscorer. At Swindon, Burnley and QPR he was scoring roughly once every 2 games.
From what I remember of him at QPR, he was an instinctive scorer, fox in the box if you like, who anticipates chances and was clinical enough to get on the end of them. That's what he's got to do here. Maybe, he never had a great deal of pace so its pointless expecting him to perform sprints like Odemwingie.
We could use Zohore or HRK as our main striker, but I'm not aware that either of them ever were prolific goalscorers.
The centre forward slot is one obvious area in the team where there is alot of room for improvement. If we can get Gayle in, it should be a no-brainer, but if not, Austin is going to have to start delivering soon.
-
The simple fact is we need another striker in January who is better than what we already have.
I've said it before if we get promoted it will be in spite of our strike force not because of them
-
We wanted a proven forward and Austin was available - but he has never been a lone front man, he is best as a forager in a 442, we need to give Zohore a go now, assuming he's fit.
-
shame we didn't keep Rodgers now - think he'd be playing regularly in this side. Austin seems to be going the same way as **** Lambert. shame as he's very likeable.
-
i just checked back over the first pages of this thread when he first signed - majority were very sceptical about Austin then with just a few optimists in favour.
Mind you that footballing genius Jacko did post on there about how we were all wrong and how Austin was nothing like all the other over the hill failures that we had signed in the past
-
i just checked back over the first pages of this thread when he first signed - majority were very sceptical about Austin then with just a few optimists in favour.
Mind you that footballing genius Jacko did post on there about how we were all wrong and how Austin was nothing like all the other over the hill failures that we had signed in the past
You do realise the first page of this thread is visible to all of us? So in no particular order just from page 1 of the thread, Atomic, Fritzl Palace, tommcneil, wbarenno, Foster#1, overseas baggie, Baggies, and Pie thought he would be a decent to great signing.
Additionally, he's only started 9 games. Bit early to write him off.
As to your input on page 2 of the thread you were shot down by several members, not just me, after comparing him to Andy Townsend among others. Jog on mate, if I had a microphone I'd now drop it...
-
You do realise the first page of this thread is visible to all of us? So in no particular order just from page 1 of the thread, Atomic, Fritzl Palace, tommcneil, wbarenno, Foster#1, overseas baggie, Baggies, and Pie thought he would be a decent to great signing.
Additionally, he's only started 9 games. Bit early to write him off.
As to your input on page 2 of the thread you were shot down by several members, not just me, after comparing him to Andy Townsend among others. Jog on mate, if I had a microphone I'd now drop it...
Wrong thread, leave Sam Johnstone out of it ;) .
-
You do realise the first page of this thread is visible to all of us? So in no particular order just from page 1 of the thread, Atomic, Fritzl Palace, tommcneil, wbarenno, Foster#1, overseas baggie, Baggies, and Pie thought he would be a decent to great signing.
Additionally, he's only started 9 games. Bit early to write him off.
As to your input on page 2 of the thread you were shot down by several members, not just me, after comparing him to Andy Townsend among others. Jog on mate, if I had a microphone I'd now drop it...
Must be of solace to you knowing that you are in such exalted company and still wrong ;D
Just saying like! 8)
-
Think the sports science lads should sort out his diet as he still looks like he's just come back from summer hols. Good player in there who needs to work harder on his fitness Bilic didn't do him any favours by stating he was his number one striker.
-
You do realise the first page of this thread is visible to all of us? So in no particular order just from page 1 of the thread, Atomic, Fritzl Palace, tommcneil, wbarenno, Foster#1, overseas baggie, Baggies, and Pie thought he would be a decent to great signing.
Additionally, he's only started 9 games. Bit early to write him off.
As to your input on page 2 of the thread you were shot down by several members, not just me, after comparing him to Andy Townsend among others. Jog on mate, if I had a microphone I'd now drop it...
You can add me to that list, I too thought he would be a good signing. Unfortunately, I just don't see it now, although that's not because he's over the hill or just after a pay day, but rather that he doesn't have the attributes that suit our system or personnel.
For me we need a more mobile striker, who's happier with the ball at his feet, that can integrate better with Perreira, Diangana, Phillips, Krov etc. Even then, I wouldn't expect 20+ goals as the way they play and create space for each other, the goals will always be shared out more evenly.
-
You do realise the first page of this thread is visible to all of us? So in no particular order just from page 1 of the thread, Atomic, Fritzl Palace, tommcneil, wbarenno, Foster#1, overseas baggie, Baggies, and Pie thought he would be a decent to great signing.
Additionally, he's only started 9 games. Bit early to write him off.
As to your input on page 2 of the thread you were shot down by several members, not just me, after comparing him to Andy Townsend among others. Jog on mate, if I had a microphone I'd now drop it...
1. After seeing him play, you still want to shoot my view down?
2. 'Mike Drop" ??? How old are you?
3. Who would you compare Austin to then?
4. I'm not your mate. Very few on here are.
-
1. After seeing him play, you still want to shoot my view down?
2. 'Mike Drop" ??? How old are you?
3. Who would you compare Austin to then?
4. I'm not your mate. Very few on here are.
😂
It's not Grindr fella.
What's triggered you today?
You had a random pop at me remember.
🛎
-
Still doesn’t seem fit or have that match sharpness needed
I wonder how much training he does in the week, in the sense that due to injuries is he on a different training programme to protect him as such in training To keep him fit on a Sat, and thats why he never looks fit during games
-
He doesn't seem fit, but he doesn't seem to be getting fitter either. His first touch is heavy, his second is a tackle. How long do we give him?
I was sceptical of signing him, and he's looking like another Rickie Lambert.
New striker needed in January.
-
how long is his contract (puts fingers in ears)
-
He doesn't seem fit, but he doesn't seem to be getting fitter either. His first touch is heavy, his second is a tackle. How long do we give him?
I was sceptical of signing him, and he's looking like another Rickie Lambert.
New striker needed in January.
I had high hopes but, in all honesty, that is irrelevant now. The truth is he just doesn't look like being the answer in our current team. This squad is, in my view, good enough to be right in the mix at the season's end. It would be very unfortunate to miss out because the striker isn't good enough. I feel we have to give Zohore match time soon and, even more importantly, need to bring someone in come January 1st.
-
how long is his contract (puts fingers in ears)
30/06/2021, I think we have a further years option too.
-
30/06/2021, I think we have a further years option too.
erm, I can't imagine him being any sort of asset in almost 2 years time, hope I'm wrong
-
how long is his contract (puts fingers in ears)
He signed a 2 + 1 in the Summer of 2019.
-
I had great hopes for Charlie and he hasn’t done the business and is shadow of the Gayle Rodriguez partnership. He had a good reputation but on reflection, how good was he at Southampton?
Agree the important need for hungry front man in January or we might miss out joining the greed league.
-
He should stay up on the shoulder if he's going to play - he actually drew two defenders to the near post, leaving Phillips with a 1 on 1 for his goal on Sat, in the box is really his forte.
-
If you look at this runs they often create space to be fair to him.
-
Originally thought this was a great bit of bisness but like a poster has allready said its seems like it could be another Ricki Lambert signing.
Still Charlie has time to turn things around (i think SB thinks so to thats why hes getting so much game time) but not much.
-
Originally thought this was a great bit of bisness but like a poster has allready said its seems like it could be another Ricki Lambert signing.
Still Charlie has time to turn things around (i think SB thinks so to thats why hes getting so much game time) but not much.
Sorry to disagree, but, I think he is getting so much game time because Ken has been crocked and HRK is not an option from the start of a game, rather than SB thinking Charlie is the answer to our lack of goals from forwards.
-
Am I wrong that I felt his celebration was a dig at the fans?
-
Am I wrong that I felt his celebration was a dig at the fans?
Yes.
-
Am I wrong that I felt his celebration was a dig at the fans?
I didn't think it was a dig at all, interested to know why you did?
-
I didn't think it was a dig at all, interested to know why you did?
The reason it may have been misconstrued, is that when a player cups his ears after scoring, it’s usually aimed at the opposing fans.
-
The reason it may have been misconstrued, is that when a player cups his ears after scoring, it’s usually aimed at the opposing fans.
you could be right, I just took it to mean he wanted to hear the adulation from the crowd.
-
Am I wrong that I felt his celebration was a dig at the fans?
Hopefully you are wrong and I didn't see it that way at the time. You have however now made me think....
-
Yes.
Why would it be a dig? he just wanted his name sung. He’s had plenty of grace from the fans and one converted pen is hardly a statement
-
Why would it be a dig? he just wanted his name sung. He’s had plenty of grace from the fans and one converted pen is hardly a statement
Reading full posts is your friend....
-
Hasn't he hit the woodwork 3 times now? If he was on 5 goals from his time on the pitch we'd probably be saying jolly good...margins as always...
-
I do think it strange that he put his fingers "in" his ears as opposed to cupping them. Odd !
We got 3 points so to be honest I don't really care.
He certainly doesn't seem to be getting any fitter though. Has he always had a "stocky" build ?
-
Hopefully you are wrong and I didn't see it that way at the time. You have however now made me think....
It would have been less confusing if he’d celebrated with his teammates and fans. I’ve gotta feeling he’s been on the unsociable network. 😉
-
I do think it strange that he put his fingers "in" his ears as opposed to cupping them. Odd !
We got 3 points so to be honest I don't really care.
He certainly doesn't seem to be getting any fitter though. Has he always had a "stocky" build ?
I think he was always quite chunky and relied on his awareness drifting about the box making himself a nuisance rather than any great skill or pace
-
;D Still think we should experiment with 2 up-front. Austin/HKR or Zohore/Austin or Zohore/HKR....this would put extra pressure on opponents defence and might also create a few "combinations" which we are probably lacking.....something I hope Slaven is thinking about,as it might bring more goals. ;D
-
;D Still think we should experiment with 2 up-front. Austin/HKR or Zohore/Austin or Zohore/HKR....this would put extra pressure on opponents defence and might also create a few "combinations" which we are probably lacking.....something I hope Slaven is thinking about,as it might bring more goals. ;D
We are top of the league though and just starting to open a gap between us and third...so why should we experiment ?...also Perreira wouldn't have the central freedom he has at the moment if we played two up top.
Back to Austin, he has been a touch unlucky in games so far as with the header on Saturday. It would suit him more if we put in just a few more aerial crosses for him to attack.
-
;D Still think we should experiment with 2 up-front. Austin/HKR or Zohore/Austin or Zohore/HKR....this would put extra pressure on opponents defence and might also create a few "combinations" which we are probably lacking.....something I hope Slaven is thinking about,as it might bring more goals. ;D
so who fills the giant Perreira shaped hole at CAM to bridge the strikers and the deep lying midfielders Livermore and Sawyers? while not getting outnumbered in midfield?
-
;D Its simple you play with 1 less DM, or get one to push up a bit more ,probably Sawyer,as he is more mobile. With the back 4 changing to a back 3 when we are attacking and slipping back to 4-2-3-1 when defending.
Sawyer would probably need a rest after about 60 mins,with the workload.
-
;D Its simple you play with 1 less DM, or get one to push up a bit more ,probably Sawyer,as he is more mobile. With the back 4 changing to a back 3 when we are attacking and slipping back to 4-2-3-1 when defending.
Sawyer would probably need a rest after about 60 mins,with the workload.
so the player known for moving backwards in order to get the ball and passing from deep rather than running with it should be in CAM? I think you’ll inadvertently cut off the 2 strikers and you’ll end up scoring less overall.
-
;D Still think we should experiment with 2 up-front. Austin/HKR or Zohore/Austin or Zohore/HKR....this would put extra pressure on opponents defence and might also create a few "combinations" which we are probably lacking.....something I hope Slaven is thinking about,as it might bring more goals. ;D
we are joint top scorers in the league, goals aren't an issue. Keeping clean sheets at home is more of an issue.
-
Frankly while we are winning, wether 3-2 / 3-1 / 1-0 / 11-10 doesn't matter. At some point we will have a few dodgy results, that is when we will need the forwards to come to the rescue.
-
I hope that Chaz having 2 in 2 will now kick on and ram my doubts firmly down my throat, well done Charlie
-
If he came on 10 mins earlier i'm convinced he'd have had 2.
-
If he came on 10 mins earlier i'm convinced he'd have had 2.
It would be great if he could go a run now after his slow start.
If he got 15 for the season we should be top 2 imo.
-
He at last got the slice of luck for his goal, maybe his luck has now turned.
-
He at last got the slice of luck for his goal, maybe his luck has now turned.
Yeah to be fair to him things haven't run for him all season. He deserved that bit of luck.
-
Anyone seen a clip of his goal anywhere?
All I could see from the back of the Smeth was a scramble and then the ball was in the back of the net
-
Anyone seen a clip of his goal anywhere?
All I could see from the back of the Smeth was a scramble and then the ball was in the back of the net
It's on the Sky Sports website.
I personally felt it was not so much luck, more composure from him to even get his body into a position to direct the ball towards the goal to begin with. Strikers instinct.
Pleased he is getting goals now. Just wish we had used the £8m on Zohore elsewhere.
-
It's on the Sky Sports website.
Cheers mate
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11871012/championship-highlights-and-round-up-west-brom-back-on-top
-
Cheers mate
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11871012/championship-highlights-and-round-up-west-brom-back-on-top
Yep, echo my earlier post, he did well to get the initial shot off considering the angle and having to adjust his body. Natural striker.
-
It's on the Sky Sports website.
I personally felt it was not so much luck, more composure from him to even get his body into a position to direct the ball towards the goal to begin with. Strikers instinct.
Pleased he is getting goals now. Just wish we had used the £8m on Zohore elsewhere.
My understanding is that, to date, Zohore has cost 50% of the figure you mention. Cannot be sure of course.
-
My understanding is that, to date, Zohore has cost 50% of the figure you mention. Cannot be sure of course.
It may be even less. From what I've heard it's like the Brown Ideye deal, in that the reported value far exceeds the amount of money that has actually changed hands.
-
We are in for about 3m so far, in today’s market that’s not much
It is quite amusing that some are using an 8m figure as a stick, but would (should) know we just would not have paid 8m.
He will probably be off in jan anyway
-
We are in for about 3m so far, in today’s market that’s not much
It is quite amusing that some are using an 8m figure as a stick, but would (should) know we just would not have paid 8m.
He will probably be off in jan anyway
I dont get the antipathy to Zohore, he was crocked and returned to fitness at the same time HRK started notching, now Charlie has a couple and hopefully kicks on, its hardly surprising big Ken hasn't had much time to impress yet
-
Not sure I have necessarily used it as a stick...
My comment was merely that the money invested would, based on the first 1/3 of the season, have been better invested elsewhere.
-
Not sure I have necessarily used it as a stick...
My comment was merely that the money invested would, based on the first 1/3 of the season, have been better invested elsewhere.
Didn’t mean you sir
You hear grumbles about this “8m waste of money†around the ground
On the second point, you never know when you you sign someone....most would have probably thought Austin would be way ahead of HRK by now.
-
Didn’t mean you sir
You hear grumbles about this “8m waste of money†around the ground
On the second point, you never know when you you sign someone....most would have probably thought Austin would be way ahead of HRK by now.
I would have thought the tea lady would have been ahead of HRK by now :D Happy to have been proven wrong. Bit like the middle of last season, we found a system and team that suited him and he had a purple patch. Long may it continue, he's playing well.
As for Austin, he is going to have to wait for starts, whilst staying hungry and giving his all when coming off the bench. Lately he's doing that incredibly well.
-
I don't mean to be unkind or insensitive in any way, but I don't think Charlie's one for staying hungry for any great length of time :-X .
Ed: I saw a picture of Charlie in his training kit yesterday. Have to admit he looked much leaner than I expected given his loose match day midriff. Thin blue and white stripes are clearly a little unflattering on him. Sorry Charlie.
-
Love his goal celebration and I want to see it more often ;D over to you Charles.
-
apologies if this has already been posted but it did amuse me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdxZjRHq2SM
-
That's 2 well taken penalties. Looks confident and gets a good contact with the ball. Looks like he varies which side he shoots to. Penalty taking is not as easy as some make it out to be.
-
What I have noticed about him is he seems to drop back and get involved in order to get things going again. I’m beginning to take a shine to this guy.
-
I thought Charlie was blowing from his harris from the kick-off last night, and was amazed to see him come out for the second half.
-
I felt sorry for him last night, Edwards, Krov and Phillips were all awful and provided him with absolutely nothing to feed off.
-
He's a dead ball master but I am surprised to see how much lacking he is in pace. I think it is time for Zohore to see what he can do - and he's good at taking penalties too,
-
Looks unfit and ponderous, we cannot play him as a lone front man, no doubt he has qualiites and ability to score goals, but pace and first touch are not them :(
-
I do like Charlie, but I have to say, I think, going forward, we look more mobile and more of a threat in the final third with HRK playing
-
Take a look at the points he has won us, 3 points in the last three games
-
I think he wants to come far too deep as he just hasnt got the legs to keep moving from the midfield area to the forward line. Ideally he needs to be the player the furthest up the pitch and in front of the ball as much as possible. I think everyone knows that his biggest attribute is his finishing but if he keeps dropping to the centre circle he is not going to get those opportunities. I do get the feeling though that he struggles a little with the system and being the lone man up top, would be a lot more effective if he had a second striker to play off but then who do you drop from midfield to do this
-
HRK gets us up the pitch further and quicker than Austin does, I'd also argue he causes the opposition defenders more problems than Austin
-
Austin has won us 7 points in the last 3 weeks.
-
i think Austin isnt a lone man striker.
in a 2 i think he could be effective and if the ball drops in the box i dont think there is anyone better in the league but he has won us 7 points in the last few weeks so that alone is worth the small fee we paid for him.
-
Having seen the footage of him running behind the goal after scoring last night, he could do with shedding a few pounds :o
-
I know that TV puts on 10 pounds but someone has been sneaking a mince pie or three before Christmas ;)
-
He can get to 20 stone if he keeps doing that - what a performance :o
-
I know that TV puts on 10 pounds but someone has been sneaking a mince pie or three before Christmas ;)
He can sneak as many as he wants after today!
-
Are we on about Saint Charlie? ;)
-
He's our top scorer now on 8 which is decent going considering he came on deadline day at less than 100% fitness and is a sub half the time. Fair play Charlie!
-
Wow,
Can anyone remember a player change the game like that.
Awesome
-
He had the backing from most of us! Absolutely love him! 2 great goals today.
-
I think he has genuine goal scoring instinct. Both excellent goals today. The second header very clever how he drifted inside and then back outside before placing his header in the corner.
-
Superb again.
I felt sorry for him in the week as I said as he had no one performing behind him. Give him the service, he is lethal.
-
Wow,
Can anyone remember a player change the game like that.
Awesome
Diangana at Luton springs to mind.
-
Take a look at the points he has won us, 3 points in the last three games
Won us 6 points in 4 games now, can't be argued with.
-
Brilliant today, 7 goals for the season! Averaging a goal every 123 mins
-
Brilliant today, 7 goals for the season! Averaging a goal every 123 mins
When I saw him celebrate his goal by running behind the goal against Wigan I thought he looked a bit overweight and put it down to the tight shirt and lack of a pre season.
But, that goal and his 2 today were proper striker's goals and his finishing is what matters and if that continues I don't care even if he looks like Akinfenwa.
Got to start on Saturday if GD is injured and move Hal to the left.
-
That sounds about right to me, too.
-
He seems to finally have found his form. Starts at home on the bench away is the best way to get our money's worth out of him.
-
Massive shout for Charlie for those goals yesterday. Absolutely stunning.
-
Just a superb striker, in his own words, 'made a career of it.'
-
Hopefully he'll go on a scoring burst now over Xmas, HRK has just done his bit
-
I love the bloke. What is so good is that he plays with a smile on his face and with genuine enthusiasm like I've rarely seen from any Albion player. It's quite infectious and it's evidently rubbing off of his team mates. He is brilliant for us, with or without the goals.
-
I love his attitude he is uber confident in his own ability and he has an infectious nature that can only be helpful to the young players we have.
I'd imagine he is idolised in the dressing room.
-
I love the bloke. What is so good is that he plays with a smile on his face and with genuine enthusiasm like I've rarely seen from any Albion player. It's quite infectious and it's evidently rubbing off of his team mates. He is brilliant for us, with or without the goals.
Yep totally agree and have always felt the same. Seems like a good player to have both on the pitch and off it. Interestingly I saw his wife posted on Twitter the other week that he'd gone to a toy shop and bought a load of gifts for a children's charity too.
https://twitter.com/BiancaAustin90/status/1202684631855878144
-
Got to admit when he signed i had my doubts, but boy he knows where the net is.
-
Got to admit when he signed i had my doubts, but boy he knows where the net is.
Had a look and noticed straight away people were whining he hasn’t done enough or about the fact she has posted about it, can’t please some people.
-
Sadly looks like he's lost the magic now and it just hasn't clicked for him with us.
I'm so pleased to have been proven wrong since October 26th when I put this.
Keep banging them in Charlie ;D
-
I was highly sceptical and still have lingering doubts but another couple of games like that and the humble pie will be eaten with relish
-
I held my fire. All new players need time.
-
His after-match interviews on the pitch with Sky are refreshingly straight, honest, and to the point.
A good guy to have in the dressing room, I'd say.
-
Has been a great pickup with his recent minutes:goals ratio
I think he is best off coming on as a sub, defenders need to really be on their toes and we are scoring a lot late.
I am very very pleased with how this signing has worked out
-
I was highly sceptical and still have lingering doubts but another couple of games like that and the humble pie will be eaten with relish
Same here
-
Unfortunately, for him, he is the perfect sub. If a striker comes on with 20 mins left, it's usually because we are either chasing the game or out of sight so the team will be set up to attack, which is perfect for old Charlie as he is pretty much guaranteed chances. HRK doesn't have the same impact off the bench because he is not a natural centre forward and nowhere near as clinical, his hold up play, however, makes him a better starter.
For this reason I think we will see HRK continue to start with Charlie coming on.
Still need another striker though as the "Lesser Spotted Zohore" appears on the verge of extinction.
-
His finishing has definitely improved. I still don’t see him offer much else though and while I can’t believe what I’m typing, I think Kanu offers more to the team with Austin coming on when there is more space against tiring defenders
-
His finishing has definitely improved. I still don’t see him offer much else though and while I can’t believe what I’m typing, I think Kanu offers more to the team with Austin coming on when there is more space against tiring defenders
I mentioned the very same thing earlier in this thread. We are a lot more mobile in the final third of the pitch with HRK playing. But Charlie is a natural goalscorer.
We have the best of both worlds
-
I have been saying since we signed him that he is finished and that has proven to be incorrect in recent weeks. What is true is that physically he is not the player he was and that he doesn't bring a great amount to the team in the system we play. He is however still a very good finisher, I think this from steefeet describes the situation perfectly:
Unfortunately, for him, he is the perfect sub. If a striker comes on with 20 mins left, it's usually because we are either chasing the game or out of sight so the team will be set up to attack, which is perfect for old Charlie as he is pretty much guaranteed chances.
-
4-4-2 is a genuine option for me against lesser opposition.
-
4-4-2 is a genuine option for me against lesser opposition.
Where does Pereira play in a 4-4-2? On the wing?
-
Where does Pereira play in a 4-4-2? On the wing?
The wing or use it the odd game we want to rest him.
-
;D I always said play both of them ,like the last 20 minutes against Brum,ripped them apart.
This is when Bilic went to a 3-5-2 and it won us the game :D
i think we have enough mobility in the back 3 ,now,to work the play that way.
-
;D I always said play both of them ,like the last 20 minutes against Brum,ripped them apart.
This is when Bilic went to a 3-5-2 and it won us the game :D
i think we have enough mobility in the back 3 ,now,to work the play that way.
We certainly do if Slav decides to go that way:
Johnstone
Ferguson Bartley Ajayi
Furlong LIvermore Sawyers Gibbs
Pereira
Kanu Austin
Looks very strong on paper as do potential replacements in the main. I'm assuming Slav would see this as his first choice line up.
-
We certainly do if Slav decides to go that way:
Johnstone
Ferguson Bartley Ajayi
Furlong LIvermore Sawyers Gibbs
Pereira
Kanu Austin
Looks very strong on paper as do potential replacements in the main. I'm assuming Slav would see this as his first choice line up.
Like the team but think Phillips would feel hard done by.
-
We certainly do if Slav decides to go that way:
Johnstone
Ferguson Bartley Ajayi
Furlong LIvermore Sawyers Gibbs
Pereira
Kanu Austin
Looks very strong on paper as do potential replacements in the main. I'm assuming Slav would see this as his first choice line up.
I like it. If Gibbs isn't ready Phillips can play there, or come in as a 2nd half sub
-
Brilliant interview with Chaz
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/january/the-star-interview-charlie-austin/
The more I hear and see what he does outside of football the more I like him.
Top man
-
Brilliant interview with Chaz
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/january/the-star-interview-charlie-austin/
The more I hear and see what he does outside of football the more I like him.
Top man
I'm with you on that. It's refreshing to see/hear a footballer that doesn't come across as scripted and robotic.
-
Charlie being bit of a tosser to social media
-
Has he deleted things as i can't see too much??
-
No story here. Tiny fuss about nothing.
-
Has he deleted things as i can't see too much??
Yeah he called a Saints fan a "cheeky c__T" and saids that Saints fans were "5hit" in general. Not the end of the world.
-
Yeah he called a Saints fan a "cheeky c__T" and saids that Saints fans were "5hit" in general. Not the end of the world.
Just stating fact as I see it
-
Yeah he called a Saints fan a "cheeky c__T" and saids that Saints fans were "5hit" in general. Not the end of the world.
Looks like he's in trouble for it now, been asked to comment by the FA
-
While he's there passing comment he could always ask them what's happening regards the racism allegation against the Leeds keeper. He could also ask which is the potentially greater offence. A charge of alleged racism which appears to have gone on the backburner, or a spat on tw@tter which appears to have caught their urgent attention. Answers on a postcard please.
-
Football fans dish out a huge amount of stick to players on social media even when they are not being outright racist some of it is utterly over the top and vile. Yet when a player bites back the fans clutch their beads and the player gets into hot water. Players now know how this works and as such I am surprised many bother with these platforms at all, and when most of them don't fans will complain that the players don't interact with them and are ever more distant. Well fans maybe need to stop being ********.
-
While he's there passing comment he could always ask them what's happening regards the racism allegation against the Leeds keeper. He could also ask which is the potentially greater offence. A charge of alleged racism which appears to have gone on the backburner, or a spat on tw@tter which appears to have caught their urgent attention. Answers on a postcard please.
Sure I read somewhere the hearing is this week about the Leeds keeper.
-
Looks like he's in trouble for it now, been asked to comment by the FA
know alot of Pompey fans who would agree bunch of scabs is their favourite saying but with more expletives.
-
Heard on Tuesday night this lad is on £40k a week with Southampton still paying him £60k a week.
£6k a week goal bonus.
Also still lives in Hungerford despite being told by Bilic to move closer.
Anybody know if this is true?
-
Heard on Tuesday night this lad is on £40k a week with Southampton still paying him £60k a week.
£6k a week goal bonus.
Also still lives in Hungerford despite being told by Bilic to move closer.
Anybody know if this is true?
i would be amazed if we agreed to pay him £40k a week on a 2 year deal with us in the championship.
premier league maybe, but no chance in this league.
-
Heard on Tuesday night this lad is on £40k a week with Southampton still paying him £60k a week.
£6k a week goal bonus.
Also still lives in Hungerford despite being told by Bilic to move closer.
Anybody know if this is true?
There is no way he is receiving £100k a week. Why would Southampton still be paying him now he's left?
£6k a week goal bonus also doesn't make sense. It would be more like £6k goal bonus, not sure how the phrase "a week" fits in there.
-
There is no way he is receiving £100k a week. Why would Southampton still be paying him now he's left?
£6k a week goal bonus also doesn't make sense. It would be more like £6k goal bonus, not sure how the phrase "a week" fits in there.
I didnt mean the "a week" part lol, sorry!
Just googled it, he was on £100k a week at Saints! madness!!
-
So'ton may still be paying him as that happened infamously at Leeds when they 'sold' Robbie Fowler and a few others but due to the stupid contracts they'd been given the players were still being paid despite moving as no-one else would pay them anywhere near, so for Leeds saving say £50k per week from £150k was better than the player staying with them and them paying the full amount.
So it could be that's why Austin was originally reluctant to move, we were offering him a lower wage but then Southampton decided to 'save' £40k per week and pay the difference. But that is pure speculation
-
My guess is that Austin's outstanding contract was tidied up with the transfer i.e. paid up. There is no way on this earth are we paying him £40k a week in the Championship. I suspect he only joined us when other Premier League options weren't forthcoming (were Palace rumoured to be interested?)
-
Agree with what Stan has said, Southampton likely had to compensate him in order for CA's move here to cross the line, and rightly so. Why should he have sacrificed money owed to him on a contract.
I also doubt his living situation in Hungerford is an issue at the club. His situation would no doubt have been discussed when he signed. At his age (with a young family) and his profile I suspect it is likely we were happy for him to commute. 5 hours a day in a car can't be ideal but I would imagine he stays locally a couple of times per week.
-
Wherever he's living and however he's travelling, he doesn't look terribly fit. But his strength was always nicking goals by being in the the right place at the right time, eg v Birmingham, so he was never going to look that good as a lone striker trying to hold the ball up.
-
Don't know where he lives but he is chauffer driven around, not sure if its due to a driving ban or just to let him have a kip on the way home every day or what, surprised club haven't given him an apartment locally, that's if we still own them.
-
Don't know where he lives but he is chauffer driven around, not sure if its due to a driving ban or just to let him have a kip on the way home every day or what, surprised club haven't given him an apartment locally, that's if we still own them.
Different to the 1950' and 60's.
They were sorted out lodgings and nothing more.
Bobby Robson had lodgings in Copthorne Road Handsworth and finally bought a house there too.
-
Different to the 1950' and 60's.
They were sorted out lodgings and nothing more.
Bobby Robson had lodgings in Copthorne Road Handsworth and finally bought a house there too.
Club had property in the mailbox in recent times and Olsson was in one of them , I think they have also taken some property in Hockley/jewellery qtr...Krov was there pre Christmas
-
Club had property in the mailbox in recent times and Olsson was in one of them , I think they have also taken some property in Hockley/jewellery qtr...Krov was there pre Christmas
Olsson wasn't in the mailbox he was in the penthouse at Centenary plaza for years before they had a kid and moved. I still live there , and I used to see and chat to him quite a bit. The club don't own of the properties here they just have links to estate agents who they introduce to the players or their agents.
Jerome Thomas used to live here too and Brendan Batson has recently moved out.
-
We also had a property near the Walsall Road until fairly recently, well twelve to eighteen months ago. Pretty sure it was a four bedroom house. Sold subject to contract in the region of £750,000 from memory. Looked up properties listed to us on the open access page at Company House and cross referenced them to estate agencies. At the time we owned a number of small flats in the Walsall area. I haven't checked on their collective status for ages though.
Ed: just remembered, the house was near the Crown. Think it may have been on or close to Blackberry Lane.
-
It was pretty obvious at the time that Austin was well past his peak and would only decline from here on in. How often have we as a club paid over the odds for aging players, only to find out that they weren't as good as we thought? The only 2 positives are that 1 We're not as bad as Stoke for this 2 We only gave him a 2 year contract. Nevertheless, he is on good wages with even more if we go up, which will just be a drain on resources for no reason. Even if we stay down, he will be no use to us next season.
-
Different to the 1950' and 60's.
They were sorted out lodgings and nothing more.
Bobby Robson had lodgings in Copthorne Road Handsworth and finally bought a house there too.
Yes, Copthall Road, he was opposite my grand-parents house, my late father told me this story.
-
Charlie Austin has got to be the worst centre forward we have had here. He gives us absolutely nothing. He's got no pace, he can't compete in the air, he's not even big enough to muscle the centre half around. The 2nd biggest waste of money in recent times (Burke was the first).
Bilic can't surely pick him on the bench again tomorrow !!! At least Zohore has pace and is big enough to compete in the air. Or even give the youngsters a taste of being part of the first team squad like Tulloch.
I'm just pleased that Robson Kanu stepped us this season otherwise we would have been in trouble.
-
Charlie Austin has got to be the worst centre forward we have had here. He gives us absolutely nothing. He's got no pace, he can't compete in the air, he's not even big enough to muscle the centre half around. The 2nd biggest waste of money in recent times (Burke was the first).
Bilic can't surely pick him on the bench again tomorrow !!! At least Zohore has pace and is big enough to compete in the air. Or even give the youngsters a taste of being part of the first team squad like Tulloch.
I'm just pleased that Robson Kanu stepped us this season otherwise we would have been in trouble.
Have you been on the sauce?
Worst we've ever had?
-
Have you been on the sauce?
Worst we've ever had?
Okay , lets hear who is worst ???
-
Okay , lets hear who is worst ???
I can think of numerous, how about Ricky Lambert for a start.
-
We've had a load of strikers over the years worse, to even consider Austin who has a 1 in 2 record in the championship as the worst we've had is beyond me.
It doesn't help we ask him to do donkey work, more suited to the likes of Kanu. Austin whilst in decline is a finisher. Blues (a) a prime example.
Craig Beattie, Thievy Bifouma, James Quinn, Fabian De Freitas, Rickie Lambert , Sherjill MacDonald, Luke Moore . All worse
Shall I carry on?
-
I can think of numerous, how about Ricky Lambert for a start.
Good shout !
He is probably on a par with Austin. Lambert was ex southampton as well.
Need to keep away from ex southampton strikers !!!
-
We've had a load of strikers over the years worse, to even consider Austin who has a 1 in 2 record in the championship as the worst we've had is beyond me.
It doesn't help we ask him to do donkey work, more suited to the likes of Kanu. Austin whilst in decline is a finisher. Blues (a) a prime example.
Craig Beattie, Thievy Bifouma, James Quinn, Fabian De Freitas, Rickie Lambert , Sherjill MacDonald, Luke Moore . All worse
Shall I carry on?
I cannot see how you can defend Austin. He is a complete donkey. Not even worth a place on the bench.
If we get promoted we need to send him out on loan somewhere. Maybe someone like Southend will take him. That's about his level.
Southampton couldn't believe their luck when we took him.
Listening too the Southampton fans at the time we brought him they were saying how useless he is and I thought it was them being upset at losing him. Boy oh boy they were so right !!!
-
He won't be good enough next year, but I defend him on his goals record alone in this league. He's good enough.
Asking him to run the channels and bully defenders won't work. It's not his game.
-
Okay , lets hear who is worst ???
Paul Wiliams, Stewart Evans, Stewart Phillips, Sherjill McDonald without even five seconds thought time.
-
We also had a property near the Walsall Road until fairly recently, well twelve to eighteen months ago. Pretty sure it was a four bedroom house. Sold subject to contract in the region of £750,000 from memory. Looked up properties listed to us on the open access page at Company House and cross referenced them to estate agencies. At the time we owned a number of small flats in the Walsall area. I haven't checked on their collective status for ages though.
Ed: just remembered, the house was near the Crown. Think it may have been on or close to Blackberry Lane.
You must have a few quid in the bank owning all these properties!
-
We've had a load of strikers over the years worse, to even consider Austin who has a 1 in 2 record in the championship as the worst we've had is beyond me.
It doesn't help we ask him to do donkey work, more suited to the likes of Kanu. Austin whilst in decline is a finisher. Blues (a) a prime example.
Craig Beattie, Thievy Bifouma, James Quinn, Fabian De Freitas, Rickie Lambert , Sherjill MacDonald, Luke Moore . All worse
Shall I carry on?
Clearly I'm not Austin's biggest fan on current form, but even I have to admit that to mention him in the same sentence as any of these would be close to slander.
-
Paul Wiliams, Stewart Evans, Stewart Phillips, Sherjill McDonald without even five seconds thought time.
Ha ha! If any youngsters out there think Austins rubbish, you should have seen Evans (86/87?)....absolutely bloody hilarious!
-
No sorry its Austin for me.
Tuesday was the last straw.
It's a good job we were not dependant on him to score the goals this season.
Sooner he's gone the better !!!
When you class the worst strikers take into account the league we were playing in. At least Lambert was playing premier league. Although he was poor.
And of the goals scored by Austin , how many were penalties ??
-
No sorry its Austin for me.
Tuesday was the last straw.
It's a good job we were not dependant on him to score the goals this season.
Sooner he's gone the better !!!
When you class the worst strikers take into account the league we were playing in. At least Lambert was playing premier league. Although he was poor.
And of the goals scored by Austin , how many were penalties ??
When used properly as a sub he will still be useful this year, if he does what he did at Brum once more that will do for me. Next year? Deal with that when we get there.
-
Joe Mayo, John Thomas and Paul Edwards now they were bad!!
-
Kwame Ampadu :-[ :-X
-
A who is worse competition is a debate for another thread :D
Let’s keep this one on Charlie Austin
-
When used properly as a sub he will still be useful this year, if he does what he did at Brum once more that will do for me. Next year? Deal with that when we get there.
So 2 good moments a season from 1 player is good enough !!!!!
Good job we don't have such low standards from all our players !
-
So 2 good moments a season from 1 player is good enough !!!!!
Good job we don't have such low standards from all our players !
He's had more than 2 good moments and won some crucial points even if it was showing some steel from the spot. I think people are being harsh on him to be honest. I also think if he'd have started as many games as HRK he'd have more goals...but maybe our midfielders would have fewer.
-
Got us some big points this season but I think we need to move him on in the summer especially if we do as expected and get that promotion.
-
He's had more than 2 good moments and won some crucial points even if it was showing some steel from the spot. I think people are being harsh on him to be honest. I also think if he'd have started as many games as HRK he'd have more goals...but maybe our midfielders would have fewer.
there's a reason why he hasn't started so many games.
Its about the team not the individual.
-
It doesn’t matter if he’s better or worse than Fabian de Freitas...he’s here because the recruitment team (who did have a fantastic summer and winter window) thought it was the right choice.
His record is good,he has scored some crucial goals.....he’s also forgotten how to run and acted a bit petulant at times.
For me he cannot start in the champ and should be moved on in the summer .
-
It doesn’t matter if he’s better or worse than Fabian de Freitas...he’s here because the recruitment team (who did have a fantastic summer and winter window) thought it was the right choice.
His record is good,he has scored some crucial goals.....he’s also forgotten how to run and acted a bit petulant at times.
For me he cannot start in the champ and should be moved on in the summer .
A very good summing up.
-
I was less than enthusiastic about signing him. To my mind these are the types of signing that bedevilled us on the way down and here we are in the Championship making the same mistake of taking a proven player on a big salary who is obviously past his prime.
In mitigation he only just turned 30 in July we only gave him a two year contract I am equally sure we are paying a fraction of what he was on at Southampton and we only paid £4m which is now not looking quite as good as it did at the time.
He has scored a few goals and in terms goals per 90 minutes played he has 0.6 which is a little better than HRK's 0.5. Oddly if either played every minute of every game and maintained their output there is a 20 goal a season striker (don't start me on that nonsense). Yet Austin's all round play has been hugely disappointing. He does not link play well and his contribution outside of goal scoring is virtually non existent.
Going forward I fear we are stuck with him next year, his agent will no doubt have secured a promotion clause in his contract which will take his wages way beyond what most teams in the Championship can afford and therefore I fear we will struggle to get him off our payroll.
While a lot of focus next summer will be on who the club brings in the bigger challenge for the DOF will be getting a few of our current players out the door.
-
To be fair, I'm only going to comment on the Newcastle match, which really didn't do Austin any favours and actually in my opinion made him look poor on the evening. Most of the time he was on the pitch we just seemed to lump balls up to him bypassing our aged midfield pairing, whereas he had nothing around him.
Whether he is the answer to our side, I'd say not as we need to progress with younger players, although that is easier said than done,
-
He's OK at this level but needs to be moved in in the summer if we go up. He's also completely not suited to the system we play which doesn't help at all.
Think he's justified his wages though as he's contributed some crucial goals.
-
As Standaman has said, we will struggle to move him on. We probably need to accept that he will be our third striker next season. With 1 up front he's probably the best we would get as a third choice.
-
I know he was expensive but he has scored important goals.
However,I think his coming has spured on HRK ,Philips Zohore?
-
I know he was expensive but he has scored important goals.
However,I think his coming has spured on HRK ,Philips Zohore?
Spured on or not that trio along with Austin need replacing If we win promotion.
Plus Brunt & Barry.
-
Don't know about who is or isn't worse, but Charlie Austin is currently the best striker on our books, so there's two worse before we start.
-
No he’s not. I always rated him but recent displays have told me that he’s finished at this level
-
going to struggle to move him and Zohore on this summer!
-
going to struggle to move him and Zohore on this summer!
there is always a buyer, the question is how much we are willing to lose.
-
there is always a buyer, the question is how much we are willing to lose.
The problem with Austin is that he might be okay for a 20 minute cameo here and there when his team is chasing a game and needs a goal but it is very obvious that he hasn't got 90 minutes in him even at Championship level. Even if Albion were prepared to take the maximum loss of £2m on the fee plus whatever it took to get his salary down to something reasonable at championship level the buying club still hasn't exactly got a bargain because you still only really got a bit part player.
-
I'd let him go on a free to get him off the books. I think he would do OK in the champo in a system that suited him more. Ours doesn't suit him at all but he's produced the goods when the chips were down tbf.
-
The problem with Austin is that he might be okay for a 20 minute cameo here and there when his team is chasing a game and needs a goal but it is very obvious that he hasn't got 90 minutes in him even at Championship level. Even if Albion were prepared to take the maximum loss of £2m on the fee plus whatever it took to get his salary down to something reasonable at championship level the buying club still hasn't exactly got a bargain because you still only really got a bit part player.
Not that I disagree but how can he not have a 90 minutes in him. He is 30.
-
Not that I disagree but how can he not have a 90 minutes in him. He is 30.
That is a good question beyond the fact that players decline at different rates and 30 while relatively early it is certainly at the wrong end of the age curve. Add in the fact that across the last 3 seasons he has had lengthy lay offs and might not have looked after himself all that well.
-
That is a good question beyond the fact that players decline at different rates and 30 while relatively early it is certainly at the wrong end of the age curve. Add in the fact that across the last 3 seasons he has had lengthy lay offs and might not have looked after himself all that well.
Knowing someone how knew him (past tense acknowledged) I think that is the real issue
-
Has got the disease . Apparently thinks he caught it at Cheltenham :( :(
-
He'll be fine, just a flu to someone like him.
-
Apparently has acute symptoms but given he is a young elite level athlete that should not be life threatening
-
Joseph Masi Twitter Account
“ Breaking: Update to Austin story. Despite reports Albion can confirm Charlie Austin has not been tested for coronavirus. He is self-isolating having experienced symptoms last weekend. However he is now made a full recovery. And no other Albion player has reported symptoms.â€
-
“West Brom striker Charlie Austin suffering symptoms associated with coronavirusâ€
Latest from Joseph Masi at the E&S
Source: https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2020/03/20/west-brom-striker-charlie-austin-diagnosed-with-coronavirus/
-
Has got the disease . Apparently thinks he caught it at Cheltenham :( :(
This is so sad. Rumours spreading quicker than a virus.
-
He hasn't got it, hasn't tested positive for it, just displayed symptoms and self isolated, fake news again.
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/march/albion-clarify-austin-virus-story/
Albion would like to clarify that striker Charlie Austin has NOT tested positive for COVID-19.
Charlie reported symptoms commonly associated with the coronavirus and on medical advice from the Club was told to stay away from training and “self-isolate†a week ago.
Contrary to reports this evening, Charlie was not tested for the virus and has subsequently made a full recovery.
“I felt terrible for a few days but I never tested for the virus and feel fine now,†said Charlie.
“It was sensible advice to self-isolate from the rest of the lads and from my family during this period. I’ve now made a full recovery.â€
The Club would like to confirm that no other players have required testing for coronavirus.
-
He hasn't tested positive, but unless he's been tested, how does anyone know?
-
I haven't tested positive ( in a Kirk Douglas stylee)
-
If he'd had it since September then it would explain why he was blowing out his backside after 5 mins every game.
-
I think he self-isolated from his team mates on the pitch a few times during the season too! :P ouch (sorry)
-
With his chest control he's screwed.
-
This could be a good shout if it happens
https://www.footballinsider247.com/west-brom-willing-to-sell-rangers-target-austin-for-knockdown-fee/
-
Yes please. Not good enough for the PL anymore. We need a new front 3 if we go up but i think Bilic loves HRK so can see him staying.
-
HRK deserves his chance in the top league. Without his goals this season we would have been struggling to keep up with the top 3.
-
A few games apart, I think he's been very disappointing and definitely not up to Prem League should we go up.
-
HRK deserves his chance in the top league. Without his goals this season we would have been struggling to keep up with the top 3.
HRK has already had a few seasons in the PL and not done well. I'd like to see him move on but i think he will stay.
-
HRK has already had a few seasons in the PL and not done well. I'd like to see him move on but i think he will stay.
Before this season I'd certainly agree.
But I think Bilic has changed him for the better. This season he's been incredible at times, maybe he's been coached differently, who knows? But he's definitely better. Even without his goals there's something clicked with his game in terms of decision making. I'd give him a chance if we go up.
On to Austin, yes I would sell in the summer if possible. I imagine he's on big money and is only getting older.
-
Just a pity to make this public now. Something of a demotivating factor for Austin to perform for the rest of the season.
-
see ya charlie !
-
Definitely hasn’t lived up to expectations but has scored some important goals for us this season
-
He always comes across to me as someone who is full of his own self importance.
If we go up I would let him go. We will have to take a bit of a hit on him I would expect, but so be it.
-
I thought his signing was the iceing on the cake in getting us promoted back to the prem. I still think he's a good forward but one who hasn't found his feet 100% at the club but wouldn't stop his move.
-
He always comes across to me as someone who is full of his own self importance.
If we go up I would let him go. We will have to take a bit of a hit on him I would expect, but so be it.
Comes across to me as someone who is confident and outgoing. Does a lot for charity and seems to be a proper family man. Unfortunately I think we bought him as his legs were starting to go. No doubting his ability as his record demonstrates, and I will always be thankful to him for turning the bluenose game around at St Andrews....a wonderful performance, but sadly his last good one.
I agree with you about letting him go and taking the hit though.......
-
Just a pity to make this public now. Something of a demotivating factor for Austin to perform for the rest of the season.
I think I saw something from a not very reliable site about Austin talking up a move to Scotland one day so I don't think this is a coincidence it is just a question of how much it will cost us to unload him. Rangers would be about right could get a couple of years in the SPL. This is as much about the player wanting to move on as it is the club wanting to move him on.
-
Never looked fully fit to me, maybe he likes the pies and the pints a bit too much, we could have a lot worse on the bench even in the prem, but if we can do a deal that suits all then happy to see him go
-
I sort of like him he's always looking to score and will shoot at any opportunity unlike that in a striker that bit of selfishness.
He's scored some important goals for us this season,give us a good return by end of season and when we get promoted let him go to bonnie Scotland and join whoever, if we get 2 million for him he will have been worth it.
-
Thought the half volley against blues was his best in Albion shirt but think he definitely isn't match fit or like lambert his career will fall of cliff while being in stripes.
-
The system we play just doesn't suit him. I still think he is the most natural goalscorer this club has had for quite some time but it just hasn't quite worked out for him here.
-
The system we play just doesn't suit him. I still think he is the most natural goalscorer this club has had for quite some time but it just hasn't quite worked out for him here.
Yep, he's just not mobile/fit enough to slot in and do a similar job to HRK for any length of time, it's not his game. Obviously there are plenty who are very grudging to give HRK any credit but he's been very important in our current line-up/system.
-
The system we play just doesn't suit him. I still think he is the most natural goalscorer this club has had for quite some time but it just hasn't quite worked out for him here.
What about Gayle ??
-
What about Gayle ??
At their best, Austin for me.
-
At their best, Austin for me.
Lets put it this way. If we had Gayle instead of Austin this season , we would have been promoted now. He would have delivered 20 goals and that would have been enough.
Gayle's record last season speaks for itself. Austin has been a complete flop !!
The sooner he's gone the better. When we got him the Southampton fans were saying how rubbish he was.
-
At their best, Austin for me.
Thats a shocker! If you mean Austin at his career best, then yes, but best at the Albion not a chance! CA has been an appalling bit of business IMO.
-
I took it to mean career best. Austin has been a far better player than Dwight.
-
I took it to mean career best. Austin has been a far better player than Dwight.
Thanks Jacko, of course that's what I meant, absolutely no comparison.
-
At their best, Austin for me.
Would have to agree has Charlie scored more at a highr level
Same has Brown v Bull, the Tatter scored more goals but mainly in lower div Than Bomber
-
Would have to agree has Charlie scored more at a highr level
Same has Brown v Bull, the Tatter scored more goals but mainly in lower div Than Bomber
The tatter never scored in the top division.
-
He did....both for us
-
Would have to agree has Charlie scored more at a highr level
Same has Brown v Bull, the Tatter scored more goals but mainly in lower div Than Bomber
I actually really admired Steve Bull as a player (he should have been our hero) but he couldn't hold a candle to Bomber, who wasn't even a striker.
-
He did....both for us
I think you will find you are wrong there. He scored 2 goals for us in season 1986/87 when we were in the old division 2. He played for us the previous season when we were relegated from division 1 but didn't score.
-
Austin is a very good striker for me. Be daft to bin him off
-
Austin is a very good striker for me. Be daft to bin him off
You need some lessons from Jacko, he has a far higher catch rate than you are going to achieve with that calibre of post
-
I think you will find you are wrong there. He scored 2 goals for us in season 1986/87 when we were in the old division 2. He played for us the previous season when we were relegated from division 1 but didn't score.
I am and stand corrected 8)
-
What's going on with him? Bilic doesn't rate him? Too unfit? Or both?
-
Exactly what we needed today in the box, really puzzled as to how he did not get on ahead of Edwards or Zohore
-
You all saw him against blues, he can’t run, and he didn’t look bothered...HRK is by no means Didier drogba....But he is the ONLY one of the three that can run and head a ball .
-
Exactly what we needed today in the box, really puzzled as to how he did not get on ahead of Edwards or Zohore
He was needed after about ten minutes v Blues as well.
Another member of our squad who must be seriously peeved when he scored two goals as St Andrew's then has barely been seen since.
Behind Zohore in the pecking order now?
-
You all saw him against blues, he can’t run, and he didn’t look bothered...HRK is by no means Didier drogba....But he is the ONLY one of the three that can run and head a ball .
If you want work rate then Austin is definitely not your guy but today, we needed a bit of magic in the second half in and around the box and that is where he comes to life.
-
If you want work rate then Austin is defo not your guy but today, we needed a bit of magic in the second half in and around the box and that is where he comes to life.
Even if this were true....we never looked like we fed whoever was up top
-
Even if this were true....we never looked like we fed whoever was up top
We had them pinned in second half until that damn drinks break, he could've been the difference between picking the lock and not...
-
Even if this were true....we never looked like we fed whoever was up top
I.cant quite agree, Krovinovic, Diangana, Pereira would walk into almost every other Champ team, yet its 7 hours without a goal, something to do with the strikers being league 1 standard. Brentford hardly created anything either although they looked a bit more composed. Probably the worst centre forwards since 85/86 in the days of George Reilly.
-
I.cant quite agree, Krovinovic, Diangana, Pereira would walk into almost every other Champ team, yet its 7 hours without a goal, something to do with the strikers being league 1 standard. Brentford hardly created anything either although they looked a bit more composed. Probably the worst centre forwards since 85/86 in the days of George Reilly.
You have your opinion
First half....first bloody half ....we break
Grady has the ball (pereira is on the floor) Kanu runs off him to the right
NOT ONE SINGLE OTHER WBA PLAYER managed to get in to the opponents half ...its sawyers, it’s Livermore, it’s phillips
-
Zippy Kanu is dreadful and got hooked at half time. How can you defend him?
-
You have your opinion
First half....first bloody half ....we break
Grady has the ball (pereira is on the floor) Kanu runs off him to the right
NOT ONE SINGLE OTHER WBA PLAYER managed to get in to the opponents half ...its sawyers, it’s Livermore, it’s phillips
Agreed Sawyers, Livermore, Phillips were poor tonight but HRK is worse. He hardly ever scores in a eam that is still op, it's putting pressure on others. Rather like an opening batsman that always gets out before 20, the others think christ I need to get the runs to bail the team out!
-
Zippy Kanu is dreadful and got hooked at half time. How can you defend him?
I’ve never said he’s great, but he has had a good season and out of the three options he is head and shoulders.
Austin won’t run again until greggs opens....Zohore is surely doing this for a bet...has he won a comp in the express and star ...the guy that got a gig in Southampton under sourness looks more of a professional.
-
I’ve never said he’s great, but he has had a good season and out of the three options he is head and shoulders.
Austin won’t run again until greggs opens....Zohore is surely doing this for a bet...has he won a comp in the express and star ...the guy that got a gig in Southampton under sourness looks more of a professional.
HRK had a good season, are you for real? He has scored a measly 10 goals in a team top of the league. Bob Taylor scored 37 in 1992/93 in a team finishing 4th. That's what I'd call a good season!
-
HRK had a good season, are you for real? He has scored a measly 10 goals in a team top of the league. Bob Taylor scored 37 in 1992/93 in a team finishing 4th. That's what I'd call a good season!
Great ..well done
-
Great ..well done
Yep so poor (along with Zohore and seemingly disinterested Austin) that we look better with no recognised striker on the pitch.
-
Agreed Sawyers, Livermore, Phillips were poor tonight but HRK is worse. He hardly ever scores in a eam that is still op, it's putting pressure on others. Rather like an opening batsman that always gets out before 20, the others think christ I need to get the runs to bail the team out!
Thanks, but we’re struggling with sorting out our football.
-
Overall Austin has been nothing like we hoped for apart from the odd flash here and there , that said I'd be starting him in the next game as HRK has lost his form ( he's done the lone role well this season ) and Zohare hasn't done much at all .
You have to ask why we lumped so much in fees and wages on Austin if he doesnt really suit the way Bilic plays.
-
Overall Austin has been nothing like we hoped for apart from the odd flash here and there , that said I'd be starting him in the next game as HRK has lost his form ( he's done the lone role well this season ) and Zohare hasn't done much at all .
You have to ask why we lumped so much in fees and wages on Austin if he doesnt really suit the way Bilic plays.
police should definitely be called to investigate the day light robbery Cardiff and Southampton commited on Albion.
-
The people that scouted them are to be blame to be fair.
Austin has disappointed a little but can still do a job at this level but Zohore was just a 'no-no and never should have been' signing. Everyone said we should give him a chance, historical evidence and data doesn't lie.
-
I don't see any of our forwards getting us over the line it'll be the hopefully increased performance from players who excelled earlier in the season like Diangana and Pereira.
Austin was poor against Blues.
-
For me Austin probably is the best of a bad bunch. I would be starting him and use Kanu for what he is good for coming of the bench. Austin is our most experienced striker and I think we need to look to that
-
Didn't want him on a permanent deal and clearly he is not fit enough.
Brewster wouldn't have cost millions and we should have got him instead of letting him go to Swansea.
If, big if, we go up we should try and get him on loan.
I would definitely try to offload the current strikers we have (easier said than done).
-
I don't see any of our forwards getting us over the line it'll be the hopefully increased performance from players who excelled earlier in the season like Diangana and Pereira.
Austin was poor against Blues.
Austin is just rusty. He has a nose for a goal, always will have. Only natural finisher in the club but he won’t score from the bench
-
Didn't want him on a permanent deal and clearly he is not fit enough.
Brewster wouldn't have cost millions and we should have got him instead of letting him go to Swansea.
If, big if, we go up we should try and get him on loan.
I would definitely try to offload the current strikers we have (easier said than done).
I've had this conversation with friends none of
HRK Austin or Zohore are anywhere near good enough for the premier league but we will need to recruit for other areas aswell as up front should we go up I can't see us offloading all our strikers and replacing all three oh and Burke has to return aswell.
-
I've seen a lot of shouts lately that the team is begging for Austin to come back in, I think form absolutely proves this season that Robson-Kanu is the best of the three but he has not had a good return from the break. None of them are goalscorers, anymore in Austin's case. I had to have a look at the scoring stats, they are all grateful for a few penalties, including Austin. Almost a penalty at Wigan, he did take that very well. Then you have the magical afternoon at Blues where he really got us out of jail. That is literally his saving grace this season.
HRK has had more game time, deservedly so, as mentioned not for his goal scoring but for his affect on the team. Austin has had enough chances and on the whole has proved very ineffective, a lot of games you really don't notice him and the 60 minute mark comes along and you just think another disappointing performance when he is subbed off. Like the others he just doesn't seem to anticipate much and get in there on the several crosses we produce (sometimes good ones). There have definitely been a few big misses as well this season where you feel his goalscoring prowess would get the right result, I'm sure there was a stat I spotted where it was 11 big chances missed, I can't remember the source.
The above points going against him as well, you really question what he brings to the team, his legs are clearly gone, for Zohore's criticism, he has a better engine and more of a presence when he plays the role. Due to the form of HRK a change is needed and it's pretty much desperation that Austin can come in and produce, but yes I would give him one last go and hope more so the players around him can step up. It would be great for him to rediscover some form and fire us over the line but I do think it's more of a case of mixing it up and just trying something else.
-
I've seen a lot of shouts lately that the team is begging for Austin to come back in, I think form absolutely proves this season that Robson-Kanu is the best of the three but he has not had a good return from the break. None of them are goalscorers, anymore in Austin's case. I had to have a look at the scoring stats, they are all grateful for a few penalties, including Austin. Almost a penalty at Wigan, he did take that very well. Then you have the magical afternoon at Blues where he really got us out of jail. That is literally his saving grace this season.
HRK has had more game time, deservedly so, as mentioned not for his goal scoring but for his affect on the team. Austin has had enough chances and on the whole has proved very ineffective, a lot of games you really don't notice him and the 60 minute mark comes along and you just think another disappointing performance when he is subbed off. Like the others he just doesn't seem to anticipate much and get in there on the several crosses we produce (sometimes good ones). There have definitely been a few big misses as well this season where you feel his goalscoring prowess would get the right result, I'm sure there was a stat I spotted where it was 11 big chances missed, I can't remember the source.
The above points going against him as well, you really question what he brings to the team, his legs are clearly gone, for Zohore's criticism, he has a better engine and more of a presence when he plays the role. Due to the form of HRK a change is needed and it's pretty much desperation that Austin can come in and produce, but yes I would give him one last go and hope more so the players around him can step up. It would be great for him to rediscover some form and fire us over the line but I do think it's more of a case of mixing it up and just trying something else.
Pretty much agree with this. Pre lockdown we were at the stage of Austin being useful in the occasional 20 minute cameo but not as a starter. A three month lay-off won't have improved matters. In short Bilic could not have bought Austin on at half time he hasn't got a half in his legs
-
Just think this is utter rubbish (sorry to be so blunt). He's a pro footballer of course he's got enough minutes in his legs, so has Barry, so has Brunt.
Swear some of our lot wouldn't pick James Milner. Age is just a number.
-
Robson Kanu: 2121 mins / 23.57 matches / 10 goals / 1 goal every 212 mins
Austin: 1143 mins / 12.70 matches / 8 goals / 1 goal every 143 mins
Zohore: 651 mins / 7.23 matches / 3 goals / 1 goal every 217 mins
The above stats are for league matches only. Is HRK really the best option, or is it down to the manager's choice (for primarily fitness purposes) that he's chosen over Austin? HRK's strike rate is comparable to Zohore.
I've heard people say HRK has performed well this season. For me he's been average at best.
-
Robson Kanu: 2121 mins / 23.57 matches / 10 goals / 1 goal every 212 mins
Austin: 1143 mins / 12.70 matches / 8 goals / 1 goal every 143 mins
Zohore: 651 mins / 7.23 matches / 3 goals / 1 goal every 217 mins
The above stats are for league matches only. Is HRK really the best option, or is it down to the manager's choice (for primarily fitness purposes) that he's chosen over Austin? HRK's strike rate is comparable to Zohore.
I've heard people say HRK has performed well this season. For me he's been average at best.
Every starting striker at every other championship club this past week is an improvement on Kanu and Zohore.
-
Robson Kanu: 2121 mins / 23.57 matches / 10 goals / 1 goal every 212 mins
Austin: 1143 mins / 12.70 matches / 8 goals / 1 goal every 143 mins
Zohore: 651 mins / 7.23 matches / 3 goals / 1 goal every 217 mins
The above stats are for league matches only. Is HRK really the best option, or is it down to the manager's choice (for primarily fitness purposes) that he's chosen over Austin? HRK's strike rate is comparable to Zohore.
I've heard people say HRK has performed well this season. For me he's been average at best.
A good post. Also worth mentioning in the context of some previous comments Austin is younger than Robson-Kanu. (if wikipedia is to be believed)
-
Just think this is utter rubbish (sorry to be so blunt). He's a pro footballer of course he's got enough minutes in his legs, so has Barry, so has Brunt.
Swear some of our lot wouldn't pick James Milner. Age is just a number.
Not sure it's legs with Austin, just don't think he's committed to the cause, CA plays for CA from what I've seen
-
Not sure it's legs with Austin, just don't think he's committed to the cause, CA plays for CA from what I've seen
Did you see the cup game at Charlton? He was flat out and ran his socks off and never stopped trying. This in a game where i think the entire team was changed. He took that seriously and chased lost causes.
I disagree completely when people say he doesn't try.
If it's for himself it doesn't really matter - if yields results (which it has) and benefits the team (which it has) then I'm all for Austin having more of a chance.
-
Not sure it's legs with Austin, just don't think he's committed to the cause, CA plays for CA from what I've seen
Absolute garbage. The man is frustrated by his own body. Pace and instinct gone but not the heart. Shame.
-
Did you see the cup game at Charlton? He was flat out and ran his socks off and never stopped trying. This in a game where i think the entire team was changed. He took that seriously and chased lost causes.
I disagree completely when people say he doesn't try.
If it's for himself it doesn't really matter - if yields results (which it has) and benefits the team (which it has) then I'm all for Austin having more of a chance.
It's all about opinions, just doesn't do it for me.
-
Absolute garbage. The man is frustrated by his own body. Pace and instinct gone but not the heart. Shame.
Absolutely no need for the insults.
Quite happy for you to have a different opinion.
-
Not sure it's legs with Austin, just don't think he's committed to the cause, CA plays for CA from what I've seen
Geezer always tried his hardest he's just slow but i've never doubted his effort.
-
Has to be involved on Wednesday. We tried the other 2 central strikers and apart from a short spell 2nd half neither looked good enough. Make the chances and I think Charlie is much more likely to score
-
Amazing how many would play a knackered Charlie Austin, but not Brunt or Barry
-
Amazing how many would play a knackered Charlie Austin, but not Brunt or Barry
I’m pretty consistent ....I’d rather have non of them anywhere near the squad
But
We need to change something...and pretty quick
Another conundrum would be if Austin played, scored twice in the opening 20 mins and then considerably slowed down due to fitness/stamina ....do you then start him next match (in 3 days)?
-
I’m pretty consistent ....I’d rather have non of them anywhere near the squad
But
We need to change something...and pretty quick
Another conundrum would be if Austin played, scored twice in the opening 20 mins and then considerably slowed down due to fitness/stamina ....do you then start him next match (in 3 days)?
We will worry about that when he gets the 2 goals mate.
-
I’m pretty consistent ....I’d rather have non of them anywhere near the squad
But
We need to change something...and pretty quick
Another conundrum would be if Austin played, scored twice in the opening 20 mins and then considerably slowed down due to fitness/stamina ....do you then start him next match (in 3 days)?
Yes, but I would take him off after 20 minutes.
-
Yes, but I would take him off after 20 minutes.
When 2 nil up ;D
-
When 2 nil up ;D
Yep, I'd have learned a lesson from the first match. Trusted formula. ;D
-
Amazing how many would play a knackered Charlie Austin, but not Brunt or Barry
Because there are better alternatives for Brunt and Barry
-
Because there are better alternatives for Brunt and Barry
Who?
-
For those wanting Brunt and Barry back in the midfield it’s almost as though the Newcastle game never happened.
-
Who?
As starters Livermore , Sawyers Krov, Harper ,Perrier’s all better than the pensioners and certainly no worse . Could also tinker e.g play 3 at the back with wing backs or even put Ajayi into holding roll
-
For those wanting Brunt and Barry back in the midfield it’s almost as though the Newcastle game never happened.
Whilst I’m not saying they should be starting, we have underused Brunt this season, his set pieces could have been used over the last few weeks to give us more of a threat.
-
Can we stick to discussing Charlie Austin please. Other players have their own threads.
-
I really, really like him. He’s last the point in his career where it’s all about him. Just getting subbed off then you can see him gee-ing the lads up really trying to encourage and I think he general demeanour shows it. I bet he is great to have in dressing room.
Unlike him not to take one of those 2 good chances today though
-
Should have scored at least 1 today. His second chance he showed no composure at all.
And yet when he went off (we had nothing up top)
It really is a miracle we are even within a shout of automatic promotion with the strike force we have
-
Played very well today, missed 1 gilt edged chance while the other was a superb save. Then set up the goal. Nothing up front after he went off.
-
Played very well today, missed 1 gilt edged chance while the other was a superb save. Then set up the goal. Nothing up front after he went off.
Was not a superb save at all. Poor effort in my view.
-
Was not a superb save at all. Poor effort in my view.
It was as good a save as the one at the other end. Which we are saying is a good save.
-
It was as good a save as the one at the other end. Which we are saying is a good save.
Had to score but hit it straight at keeper. He’s our best bet to start without doubt. That however speaks volumes about our issues up front.
-
Sam did more and had to come out further to make the save. Austin poked it straight at the keeper. Put it this way, if you spoke to Charlie, do you think he'll be disappointed at his finish or be like, "what a save?".
All depends on your view, I'm sure Blackburn fans are aayjng their keeper made a good aave and their forward missed.
He was still our best option up top and has played well the last couple of games.
-
Best of a bad bunch, which is scary.
Was blowing out of his back side after the first 20 mins. Saying that I’d still choose him over Kanu and zohore every time.
-
Not good enough. Not mobile. No pace. I don’t see that he’s a great finisher at all. Birmingham apart he’s been bang average.
To think Rodriguez got a hard time last year scoring 20+ and contributing far more in open play than Austin, yet Austin seems to get a free pass. The class act is clearly JRod.
-
Best of a bad bunch, which is scary.
Was blowing out of his back side after the first 20 mins. Saying that I’d still choose him over Kanu and zohore every time.
Tulloch should be considered before Kanu
-
Not good enough. Not mobile. No pace. I don’t see that he’s a great finisher at all. Birmingham apart he’s been bang average.
To think Rodriguez got a hard time last year scoring 20+ and contributing far more in open play than Austin, yet Austin seems to get a free pass. The class act is clearly JRod.
The best we have unfortunately
-
Tulloch should be considered before Kanu
Exactly this.
-
You have to be there to miss them. OK, legs may be suffering, but he's still our best bet for goals up front.
-
Tulloch should be considered before Kanu
Jacko should be considered before Kanu. ;D
-
Jacko should be considered before Kanu. ;D
Scored 4 goals in 9 minutes in an u-16s match back in the day ;)
-
Sam did more and had to come out further to make the save. Austin poked it straight at the keeper. Put it this way, if you spoke to Charlie, do you think he'll be disappointed at his finish or be like, "what a save?".
All depends on your view, I'm sure Blackburn fans are aayjng their keeper made a good aave and their forward missed.
He was still our best option up top and has played well the last couple of games.
think Jacko is talking about the save from the Austin shot from distance not the one he missed from 3 yards.
-
Scored 4 goals in 9 minutes in an u-16s match back in the day ;)
Trouble is he was 26 😂😂
-
Chaz Austin confirmed as top goalscorer, despite limited game time and Kanu having a 'stellar' season apparently...
-
Chaz Austin confirmed as top goalscorer, despite limited game time and Kanu having a 'stellar' season apparently...
Did they mean 'Artois' when saying Stellar? Because in terms of what we get back from him, he's Reassuringly Expensive.
-
Not sure if he's worth keeping about next season. 10 goals isn't great considering the wage and fee we spent on him. If he wants to stay then he needs to get a lot fitter.
-
Not sure if he's worth keeping about next season. 10 goals isn't great considering the wage and fee we spent on him. If he wants to stay then he needs to get a lot fitter.
Agreed, but his wages with his knees may be another issue. Only 1 year left isn’t it? Free to Watford might work for everyone?
-
Yeah I'd let him go on a free/nominal. Didn't realise he only had 1 year left. Thought he had 2. Not so bad then.
-
Chaz Austin confirmed as top goalscorer, despite limited game time and Kanu having a 'stellar' season apparently...
Given the competition I would hope so.
-
Chaz Austin confirmed as top goalscorer, despite limited game time and Kanu having a 'stellar' season apparently...
buries head in hands :(
-
Imo we will keep HRK and Austin and maybe add one at least or two strikers depending on whether we can sell or loan Zohore.
I only hope that Austin has a good pre season and gets as fit as he can and hopefully have a Glen Murray type effect for us in the prem.
In an ideal world I would have liked che Adams on loan but I doubt that will happen now he's had a purple patch.
-
All three strikers could go in my view. Not one is good enough for what we need next season.
-
All three strikers could go in my view. Not one is good enough for what we need next season.
Totally agree but given their respective contract situations I fail to see them leaving. Hope I’m wrong though.
-
As he's got 1 year left I imagine we will have to keep him as his wages would be too high for most Championship clubs.
Having said that I think he's good from the bench in the Premier League if we need a goal, in the Championship he didn't contribute much other than his goals and wasn't as effective as Kanu in terms of hold up, passes etc. However, he's more of a natural finisher which may be vital in terms of grabbing points etc so it's not a bad situation for all involved.
-
As he's got 1 year left I imagine we will have to keep him as his wages would be too high for most Championship clubs.
Having said that I think he's good from the bench in the Premier League if we need a goal, in the Championship he didn't contribute much other than his goals and wasn't as effective as Kanu in terms of hold up, passes etc. However, he's more of a natural finisher which may be vital in terms of grabbing points etc so it's not a bad situation for all involved.
I think he’s been almost embarrassing with the inability to run and get to through balls...
Cannot possibly be considered an option in the prem.
-
I agree that he is physically lacking now and I cannot get out of my head the image of him pulling out of a header with the goal gaping ( Huddersfield?)
He was a bad signing on a terrible contract !
-
I think he’s been almost embarrassing with the inability to run and get to through balls...
Cannot possibly be considered an option in the prem.
Top scorer, so how embarrassing were the other 2?
-
As he's got 1 year left I imagine we will have to keep him as his wages would be too high for most Championship clubs.
Having said that I think he's good from the bench in the Premier League if we need a goal, in the Championship he didn't contribute much other than his goals and wasn't as effective as Kanu in terms of hold up, passes etc. However, he's more of a natural finisher which may be vital in terms of grabbing points etc so it's not a bad situation for all involved.
Yes I can't see him being moved on
But as you said he may not be too bad as an late option off the bench... think Birmingham Away
-
Top scorer, so how embarrassing were the other 2?
If we had bought them in a shop we could have sent them back as not being fit for purpose, probably even do the shop under the trades description act.
-
If you take into account he only cost 4 million then I think 11 goals is a actually value for money at that price . But then you see a report that he is the highest paid player at the club on 50k a week which will be more after promotion :-X : :o
-
Got us vital points that got us promotion, end of.
-
Top scorer, so how embarrassing were the other 2?
They were even more embarrassing you’re right. But that still does not mean he’s any good. He has been a very good striker but no longer is. Mobility is now very limited and the thing that has genuinely surprised me is that his ball control is, on occasions, awful.
-
I think Austin would be ok coming off the bench.
I cant actually see us selling any of our current strikers. No one will buy HRK or Zohore.
-
I hope not but on the evidence of his last two appearances, I think whatever he was, he is now shot. Similar to Barry against Newcastle everything seems to have drained from him. Sometimes ageing is like that: a sudden sharp decline.
-
Personally id be keeping him myself.
I dont think he is as shot as some say. He leads the line well, he fights for stuff, half the time he is chasing 4 defenders down on his own across that frontline.
He is not a lone striker for me though, he works better in a partnership or a front 3 where he occupies the 2 centre halves.
There was a real lack of service for a goalscoring striker in this side which is why HRK looked so much better in the position allowing our midfielders to come through. Thats how we setup to play from the start i think.
But for me Austin stays and would contribute some vital goals at the top level
-
Personally id be keeping him myself.
I dont think he is as shot as some say. He leads the line well, he fights for stuff, half the time he is chasing 4 defenders down on his own across that frontline.
He is not a lone striker for me though, he works better in a partnership or a front 3 where he occupies the 2 centre halves.
There was a real lack of service for a goalscoring striker in this side which is why HRK looked so much better in the position allowing our midfielders to come through. Thats how we setup to play from the start i think.
But for me Austin stays and would contribute some vital goals at the top level
I agree, yes he needs to work hard pre season but if he hits the season in good shape, could well provide vital goals.
I actually thought he finished the season looking much fitter.
-
I agree, yes he needs to work hard pre season but if he hits the season in good shape, could well provide vital goals.
I actually thought he finished the season looking much fitter.
Out of the 3 he's certainly the most valuable, if only for his enthusiasm and character alone. If we can get him fit, he could still play a part on the pitch also.
-
Out of the 3 that we have, he's the only one I wouldn't object to being here next season as back up (to the backup).
-
Out of the 3 that we have, he's the only one I wouldn't object to being here next season as back up (to the backup).
I feel the same. However, all 3 are under contract so they will all be here, as I can't see any club wanting to buy any of them. Even if we found someone to loan them to (unlikely) we would have to subsidise their wages.
-
Top scorer, so how embarrassing were the other 2?
If you rated them based on expectation...
HRK B performed better than expected
Austin C performance was below expectation
Zohore E struggled to show application and /or sufficient skill level
Also if we are doing everything by numbers , it would suggest minutes on pitch and clean sheets , would mean our friend in goal is ok ?😂
-
For a newly promoted club needing a goal with 15 to go we could do a lot worse than Austin and have done in the past (HRK to Rondon).
-
Rondon isn't as good as Austin??!! Or have I read that wrong.
-
I meant our back up which HRK was to Rondon was far worse than Austin being back up to realistically a new signing.
Was Rondon’s biggest fan ;D
-
Ahhh OK sorry I read it wrong ;D
-
I imagine Big Sal is on megabucks, but if it could be done I would have him back ASAP, perfect fit for the current Slav set up
-
He really would be suited to this setup but won't drop in wgaes now surely?
-
Around 31 years old I think. Need younger blood in my view.
-
Rondon isn't as good as Austin??!! Or have I read that wrong.
Nore did Austin have Pulis
-
"Mike Jackson
@MikeJackoSun
·
5m
West Brom: Looking to offload Charlie Austin. Loan deal favoured. Birmingham City interested although looking at Hogan permanently first. Nottm Forest and Millwall also interested. #WBA #Forest #Birmingham #Millwall"
Makes sense to move him on but a loan deal sees him walk for free unless we are looking for a reasonable loan fee, maybe they would be happy just not to pay his wages.
-
I’d keep him as a backup unless we have something planned for the forward line with a couple of players??
-
It’s a glowing endorsement of how poor our recruitment was last season in our forward areas.
The two strikers we did sign are the first ones were trying to get out of the door 12 months later.
We cannot afford such expensive mistakes this season otherwise we might need Zohore and Austin in 12 months time !
-
I’d keep him as a backup unless we have something planned for the forward line with a couple of players??
I truly hope so
-
Horses for courses, we may not think our strikers were great, but in the cold light of day Zohore,Austin and HRK went up, Rodriguez , Gayle and Barnes did not.
But we clearly need to upgrade so I’m glad to see the movement happening...no room for passengers or sentiment.
-
Seriously whatever we paid is gone if we can just get the wages off the books we should be grateful to whoever takes him. I am shocked that he has that many potential suitors maybe they think they are going to get a bargain. Does anybody think for a moment that he is going to be better next season? Obviously we need to replace but that is a low bar.
-
Seriously whatever we paid is gone if we can just get the wages off the books we should be grateful to whoever takes him. I am shocked that he has that many potential suitors maybe they think they are going to get a bargain. Does anybody think for a moment that he is going to be better next season? Obviously we need to replace but that is a low bar.
Yep
Just saving the wages on this one is a success .
-
With a 2 year deal not sure what sense a loan makes might as just well let go or take couple of hundred grand as nominal fee?
-
Sorry i've been told it's (likely) an imposter account which makes sense.
Hope we can shift him though i doubt it. Always gives his all but time and injuries have ended him in the PL for me.
-
Rumours on Twitter linking him to Derby tonight and his Twitter account has been deleted
-
His Twitters gone but on his Instagram he's still down as a WBA footballer.
-
His Twitters gone but on his Instagram he's still down as a WBA footballer.
Jury's still out for me!
-
Rumours on Twitter linking him to Derby tonight and his Twitter account has been deleted
Even If they can pick up £20k a week and he goes on loan to be released next summer it's not the end of the world.
-
Jury's still out for me!
Shame really because he's still got a finish on him but his legs have gone. Probably still get 15 i the EFL in a team that suits him and ays to his strengths. Bilic system never suited him.
With his signing on fee here, goals bonus, promotion bonus and 40k a week wages he's done very well ouut of us for a year and hopefully he's happy to take a drop in wages for regular football elsewhere.
-
Shame really because he's still got a finish on him but his legs have gone. Probably still get 15 i the EFL in a team that suits him and ays to his strengths. Bilic system never suited him.
With his signing on fee here, goals bonus, promotion bonus and 40k a week wages he's done very well ouut of us for a year and hopefully he's happy to take a drop in wages for regular football elsewhere.
Not if “regular football†involves diet and running..
-
Of the 3 current strikers on our books, Austin is the most useful. He still has more of a goalscoring instinct than the other two.
-
Of the 3 current strikers on our books, Austin is the most useful. He still has more of a goalscoring instinct than the other two.
In terms of his instinct I agree 100 percent. Sadly however his legs no longer get him into areas where his instinct can take over.
-
Of the 3 current strikers on our books, Austin is the most useful. He still has more of a goalscoring instinct than the other two.
Instinct s fine - however it cannot makeup for a loss of legs.
The game against Harrogate was pitiful.
He looks cumbersome - totally unable to move.
He was a player who thrived on space, playing on the last shoulder of a centre half, clever movement across centre halves into channels. He can’t do it any more I’m afraid.
The only way he influences a game nowadays us either be dropping deep into midfield or giving away a cheap free kick because he can no longer keep up.
-
Thought he would of thrived in Championship but looked unfit and over weight, won't do it in Prem so if Derby want him let him go.
-
We just got him a year or two too late. Against Cardiff the whole ground was willing him to get a goal after missing a couple of sitters and he finally got one in the second half by bursting through about 40 yards out to run in on goal and finish well.
Although he wasnt the last word in mobility then, I think he is unrecognisable even from that game. Watching him try and close down the defenders toward the end of the season was hard to watch. Birmingham was his best moment and both finishes were outstanding in different ways, but he’s not even close to premier level now in my view.
Looks like a great character though and I wish him well when he leaves.
-
We just got him a year or two too late. Against Cardiff the whole ground was willing him to get a goal after missing a couple of sitters and he finally got one in the second half by bursting through about 40 yards out to run in on goal and finish well.
Although he wasnt the last word in mobility then, I think he is unrecognisable even from that game. Watching him try and close down the defenders toward the end of the season was hard to watch. Birmingham was his best moment and both finishes were outstanding in different ways, but he’s not even close to premier level now in my view.
Looks like a great character though and I wish him well when he leaves.
Agree with all of this. I hope he gets a decent offer from a Championship club with a system that can get a game out of him.
-
Agree with all of this. I hope he gets a decent offer from a Championship club with a system that can get a game out of him.
Good point. I remember hearing an interview with him last year where he said he would always prefer being in a front two. If a team can offer that and leave him in the middle he could scare a few this season for someone.
-
Good point Frazzle regarding the decline in his legs in the 12 months he's been here. Was very worrying to see him struggling against L2 opposition and Charlie's an honest guy from what I've seen and heard of him. I think it will have been obvious to himself too.
-
Good point. I remember hearing an interview with him last year where he said he would always prefer being in a front two. If a team can offer that and leave him in the middle he could scare a few this season for someone.
Exactly. Also, he hasn't played much competitive football for a while, so maybe with a few games under his belt, he could still do a job for someone. I'm expecting him to be gone before the window shuts.
-
Austin’s goals per minutes last year was right up with the best in the division.
His top speed and acceleration might be affected but he’s never been all about pace anyway. He should be capable of getting fit enough to get around a pitch for 90 minutes and given half a chance he can still put them a way. I still think he could get 15 goals in the championship in the right set up (and if he wants it enough). We have also heard how good he is around the dressing room.
Derby have lost 3 in 3 and have Norwich and Watford up next. So they may well still be needing to do business so I could see this happening.
-
Someone should buy him and set up their whole training regime around getting penalties (maybe a Greasy masterclass DVD?)
Get 20 pens, you've got a 20 goal striker
-
Someone should buy him and set up their whole training regime around getting penalties (maybe a Greasy masterclass DVD?)
Get 20 pens, you've got a 20 goal striker
Don't be daft. That'd be like setting out to win games by gearing your whole training regime towards getting throw ins and free kicks. It'd never catch on..... :-X .
-
Don't be daft. That'd be like setting out to win games by gearing your whole training regime towards getting throw ins and free kicks. It'd never catch on..... :-X .
Don't forget corners! To do this though you have to have a good sports cap and shiny white trainers.
-
Don't forget corners! To do this though you have to have a good sports cap and shiny white trainers.
Can't believe I forgot corners, never got my head around the neck brace thingy either to be honest :D .
-
I think our biggest problem at the moment, when trying to offload players we no longer require, is they've all had an increase in wages since we won promotion.
its a great incentive to offer players this but it as got its drawbacks.
I can't see anyone paying the wages he's on now we may need to subsidise him and Zohore.
-
Rob Dorsett from sky reporting Derby are looking to take him on a short term deal which would mean he wouldn't be coming back to us.
-
Don't let us down Derby.
-
Don't let us down Derby.
I hope Norwich tear them inside out at lunchtime, they might realise how much they need Chas then ::)
-
I hope Norwich tear them inside out at lunchtime, they might realise how much they need Chas then ::)
Same mate, they need his attacking prowess.
-
Just watched the first 20 minutes of the Derby game and they have Rooney as the lone striker in a 4-5-1.
Rooney doesn't have the legs for that now and he' can't hold the ball up.
Go on Chas get over there mate.
-
Just watched the first 20 minutes of the Derby game and they have Rooney as the lone striker in a 4-5-1.
Rooney doesn't have the legs for that now and he' can't hold the ball up.
Go on Chas get over there mate.
Like our very own Charlie then. 😂
-
Like our very own Charlie then. 😂
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ;)
-
Austin has never hidden the fact he likes playing in a 2. Playing alongside Rooney will be plenty good enough for that league.
-
very good goals / minute ratio. Adequate for Derby. Would be a good move for all concerned IMO.
-
Austin will score goals for Derby IMO. I think he lost a yard (some sharpness) last season and that was one of his strengths. His performance against Blues away was what Charlie Austin is about but just didn't to do it enough.
I think we should let him go but don't understand the haters. He scored some key goals and we got promoted.
Job done.
-
Should I book a taxi on stand-by ?
😝
-
It will be interesting to see what the deal with Derby is and if we recoup a reasonable amount of our initial outlay, if he goes there.
-
Watching Derby earlier and they don’t seem to create much. Rooney looked spent despite the great free kick. Can’t see Austin fitting in but won’t complain if they take him off our hands. Marshall had a great game in goal. Wished we’d have signed him now.
-
Should I book a taxi on stand-by ?
😝
What you got on standby for Zohore? A helicopter? Think it’s a tad disrespectful. Yes, he has fallen short, but made some invaluable contributions like those against Blues and Preston.
Agree a move is in all best interests. We need some height and power in the there. But all the best Charlie (if it happens).
-
He scored some important goals for us last season so in that sense the £5 million or so was justified if you look at it like that.
However, his legs are gone and I just don't think he'll last that much longer so it's a good move for us.
-
Definitely scored some big goals to help us to promotion. Clearly not in Slaven’s plans, so wish him all the best. Always played with passion.
-
Worth remembering the only reason we got to sign him was because Ralf at Southampton wanted rid. Last few seasons at Southampton showed his legs were going. The fact he preferred to keep Shane Long with his awful goal record speaks volumes. Superb striker in his day with a record as good if not better than Gayles but way past his prime now sadly.
-
Epitomizes the need for variety. Never a regular starter but scored some important goals and seemed a real character around the dressing room, therefore played a massive part in our promotion.
Deeney could easily be this year's Austin and shouldn't be dismissed.
-
Definitely scored some big goals to help us to promotion. Clearly not in Slaven’s plans, so wish him all the best. Always played with passion.
Always played with passion? We must be watching a different player. I think for the most part he looked uninterested. No doubt about it without his goals we don't go up but he is on a big wage and isn't a very nice bloke from what I hear so probably for the best that he moves on.
-
Certainly time for Austin to move on, however I can only assume that Robson Kanu gets to stay simply because no other club would touch him.
-
If Derby sign Chazza from us then I’ll be happy.
Gets our biggest earner off the wage bill. The money can be used elsewhere on another striker who will hopefully feature more often.
Wish he was still the same player he was at QPR. Sadly, not playing regular football at Southampton seems to have accelerated the ageing in his legs.
Appreciate he was part of the 19/20 promotion team and his brace in the 2-3 at St. Andrew’s was the highlight of his Albion career.
Good luck Chazza 👍🏻
-
Always played with passion? We must be watching a different player. I think for the most part he looked uninterested. No doubt about it without his goals we don't go up but he is on a big wage and isn't a very nice bloke from what I hear so probably for the best that he moves on.
I think Charlie tried his hardest for us, no doubt, but he has declined to such an extent that his capabilites could no longer match our expectations through natural decline rather than poor attitude.
He played his part in our promotion for sure but he also became the best paid player in the EFL last season through us. A respectful partinf of the ways is a mutually beneficial outcome.
-
Certainly time for Austin to move on, however I can only assume that Robson Kanu gets to stay simply because no other club would touch him.
HRK always gives 100%, very strong, and does have some talent but he should be nothing more than the 2nd/3rd striker in a top Championship squad and certainly not more than a 3rd/4th striker in the Premier League. In other words he isn’t worth us paying what he is now costing us in wages. He’d be a good signing for a promotion-seeking Championship club except that his wages are far too high for them to afford him.
-
I think Charlie tried his hardest for us, no doubt, but he has declined to such an extent that his capabilites could no longer match our expectations through natural decline rather than poor attitude.
He played his part in our promotion for sure but he also became the best paid player in the EFL last season through us. A respectful partinf of the ways is a mutually beneficial outcome.
Wholeheartedly agree with this..
-
I think Charlie tried his hardest for us, no doubt, but he has declined to such an extent that his capabilites could no longer match our expectations through natural decline rather than poor attitude.
He played his part in our promotion for sure but he also became the best paid player in the EFL last season through us. A respectful partinf of the ways is a mutually beneficial outcome.
Bang on...Id argue that those 10 goals including balls of steel late penalties in games we were either loosing or drawing after not performing well were what got us over the line in the end, he was one of the players that gave us the 'fine line' advantage.
For the above he was proberbly money well spent, but now its time to use that money elsewhere.
-
Bang on...Id argue that those 10 goals including balls of steel late penalties in games we were either loosing or drawing after not performing well were what got us over the line in the end, he was one of the players that gave us the 'fine line' advantage.
For the above he was proberbly money well spent, but now its time to use that money elsewhere.
Those penalties against Sheff Wed (a game we should have lost) and Preston look proper balls of steel now..
-
HRK always gives 100%, very strong, and does have some talent but he should be nothing more than the 2nd/3rd striker in a top Championship squad and certainly not more than a 3rd/4th striker in the Premier League. In other words he isn’t worth us paying what he is now costing us in wages. He’d be a good signing for a promotion-seeking Championship club except that his wages are far too high for them to afford him.
He'd be a terrible signing. Just like he was 4 years ago.
-
I think Charlie tried his hardest for us, no doubt, but he has declined to such an extent that his capabilites could no longer match our expectations through natural decline rather than poor attitude.
He played his part in our promotion for sure but he also became the best paid player in the EFL last season through us. A respectful partinf of the ways is a mutually beneficial outcome.
If trying your hardest is not running and waving your arms around a bit....then yes
-
If trying your hardest is not running and waving your arms around a bit....then yes
I didn't say his hardest was brilliant now did i Zippy? He has a better attitude than some of the overpaid coasters on our books.
-
Somethings going on with his personal life IMO. He removed his Twitter account last week and now his wife Bianca has removed mention of him on her bio,only saying their kids and changed her pic to just herself :-X
-
Somethings going on with his personal life IMO. He removed his Twitter account last week and now his wife Bianca has removed mention of him on her bio,only saying their kids and changed her pic to just herself :-X
If you fancy his wife now's your time to shoot your shot!
-
Somethings going on with his personal life IMO. He removed his Twitter account last week and now his wife Bianca has removed mention of him on her bio,only saying their kids and changed her pic to just herself :-X
Once he deletes his account the tag of his account in her bio gets deleted too.
-
I didn't say his hardest was brilliant now did i Zippy? He has a better attitude than some of the overpaid coasters on our books.
How do you know he has a great attitude?
-
How do you know he doesnt?
-
How do you know he doesnt?
I didn’t state either way...you did .
-
I didn’t state either way...you did .
Just an opinion based on him trying his best but not quite being upto it anymore due to age and injuries. Some of our players don't put in the work rate IMO.
-
Just an opinion based on him trying his best but not quite being upto it anymore due to age and injuries. Some of our players don't put in the work rate IMO.
Well then it’s not factual ...
Anyway...he is a 31 year old pro footballer , I’m 46 , I’d put money on me against him over 50 metres ...and that’s bad.
-
Well then it’s not factual ...
Anyway...he is a 31 year old pro footballer , I’m 46 , I’d put money on me against him over 50 metres ...and that’s bad.
Of course it's not factual. This is an opinion based board.
I'm 40 and i'd roast you both! ;D
-
Mrs Austin has now tweeted an emoji of a broken heart. Is she that sad to leave West Bromwich? :D
-
He'd do a job at Stoke playing up alongside Vokes I reckon.
Done well for us but we need better now.
-
Mrs Austin has now tweeted an emoji of a broken heart. Is she that sad to leave West Bromwich? :D
She put a picture quoting people being snakes yesterday before quickly deleting it.
-
"Looking increasingly possible that Charlie Austin will leave for Derby while Sheffield Wednesday are still keen on Kenneth Zohore but, again, neither of those deals with EFL clubs necessarily need to be completed today. #WBA"
MAdeley
-
If the Derby and sheff wed rumours are true and we could be rid of ca and kz I cannot decide who it is better to lose if not both.
Given the longer contract it would be kz on a permanent.
But, I think both will still be with us as having got rid of he Burke no way are we going to get that lucky again and jettison the gruesome twosome.
-
If the Derby and sheff wed rumours are true and we could be rid of ca and kz I cannot decide who it is better to lose if not both.
Given the longer contract it would be kz on a permanent.
But, I think both will still be with us as having got rid of he Burke no way are we going to get that lucky again and jettison the gruesome twosome.
Austin has said he wants to stay with us. Hope Bilic has a word in his ear. Far from certain that KZ will leave either, given Henry Alex's injury and our failure to sign a striker.
-
Austin has said he wants to stay with us. Hope Bilic has a word in his ear. Far from certain that KZ will leave either, given Henry Alex's injury and our failure to sign a striker.
Where has he said this?
Good news if true IMO
-
I imagine Kanu’s injury and the massive salary have changed things. I assume he will be on the bench now but he wasn’t good enough for us at the end of last season so I can’t see him being anywhere near good enough this season.
-
Where has he said this?
Good news if true IMO
Here's the link, though on reading the article again, there are no quotes so maybe not as certain as I may have suggested. Apologies if so.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/potential-twist-emerges-as-derby-county-seek-west-brom-transfer-agreement/
-
Where has he said this?
Good news if true IMO
Indeed legend boy can keep on drawing £50k at least on the bench whilst wolfing on a mars bar everytime Slaven isn't looking.
The more useless passengers the better.
-
If the Derby and sheff wed rumours are true and we could be rid of ca and kz I cannot decide who it is better to lose if not both.
Given the longer contract it would be kz on a permanent.
But, I think both will still be with us as having got rid of he Burke no way are we going to get that lucky again and jettison the gruesome twosome.
Doesn’t even have to be thought about mate . Easily Zohore . What did he offer last season , nothing other then score a couple of penalties. At least Austin was top scorer and scored some vital goals .
Ideally we wouldn’t have both but if you had to choose one to keep it would have to be Austin
-
According to reports Charlie has told Derby County and Wayne that he's staying put.
Obviously he can stay here and do nothing and collect his wedge every week.
https://www.footballinsider247.com/austin-set-to-remain-at-west-brom-after-derby-county-swoop/
-
According to reports Charlie has told Derby County and Wayne that he's staying put.
Obviously he can stay here and do nothing and collect his wedge every week.
https://www.footballinsider247.com/austin-set-to-remain-at-west-brom-after-derby-county-swoop/
He may well be playing on Monday, if we don't sign anyone !
-
He may well be playing on Monday, if we don't sign anyone !
I fear you may be right
-
Indeed legend boy can keep on drawing £50k at least on the bench whilst wolfing on a mars bar everytime Slaven isn't looking.
The more useless passengers the better.
Yep just got rid of one benchwarmer on good money been sat there for couple of years but everybody excepted the wand doing it
-
Yep just got rid of one benchwarmer on good money been sat there for couple of years but everybody excepted the wand doing it
Hardly fair comparing a bloke with nigh on 400 appearances over 13 years for our club to a waste of skin like Chunky Charlie
-
I'd rather Austin stay than any of our other options (Robinson excluded). In all honesty though, it's hard to see any scenario where we stay up this year.
-
I'd rather Austin stay than any of our other options (Robinson excluded). In all honesty though, it's hard to see any scenario where we stay up this year.
I think Id rather Zohore of the two. Austin fell away so badly last season and at least Zohore has some mobility. Saying that the reason he got so little game time ssows how bad our striking position is.
-
I for one am glad he is staying.
We dont utilise him correctly or play to his strengths.
-
I for one am glad he is staying.
We dont utilise him correctly or play to his strengths.
Same. Austin in a front 2 (not something I am keen on) is a different player.
-
I for one am glad he is staying.
We dont utilise him correctly or play to his strengths.
I agree that we don't play to what suits him but going forward we won't change that so i'd like him gone considering the money hes on but he will sit here in the background till his contract ends.
-
I for one am glad he is staying.
We dont utilise him correctly or play to his strengths.
Apart from giving oranges out at half time I can't see what Charlies strengths are!
-
I for one am glad he is staying.
We dont utilise him correctly or play to his strengths.
I agree with this so much
-
If he has enough pride and decency to get properly fit, he could win us a couple of games off the bench at least
-
Didn’t he play in a 2 v Harrogate. He was awful again that night. The bloke can’t run and seems to have lost the knack of being in the right place at the right time. Get rid.
-
Apart from giving oranges out at half time I can't see what Charlies strengths are!
He gets my upmost respect for what he did when he came off the bench at the blues.
He is a team player and his experience is valuable to the club, so I am pleased he is staying
-
Didn’t he play in a 2 v Harrogate. He was awful again that night. The bloke can’t run and seems to have lost the knack of being in the right place at the right time. Get rid.
Who was his strike partner?
-
He gets my upmost respect for what he did when he came off the bench at the blues.
He is a team player and his experience is valuable to the club, so I am pleased he is staying
Whats the saying? One swallow doesn't make a Spring.
100% effort and keeping ones self fit is a pre-requisite when your on a reported £50k a week. We don't see enough of that for me.
Sadly time has caught up with him.
If we can get a replacement he should be shown the door.
Natural progression.
-
I don't understand the sentiment that he's good in a two or would be better if we played to his strengths. We don't, Bilic has rarely looked like opting for a two up top and we are unlikely to start. I'd prefer he go if I'm honest.
However, you give these players contracts and sell them the dream to get them to sign, you can't then be to up in arms if it doesn't go well and they wish to see those contracts out.
-
Sadly not up to the level we need any more, doesn’t matter what system we use. Changing systems isn’t going to enable him to run any faster.
-
Whats the saying? One swallow doesn't make a Spring.
100% effort and keeping ones self fit is a pre-requisite when your on a reported £50k a week. We don't see enough of that for me.
Sadly time has caught up with him.
If we can get a replacement he should be shown the door.
Natural progression.
Its 'one swallow doesn't make a summer' actually......
I would rather have him on the bench instead of either a) HRK, or b), a vacancy.
I do agree with your comments though, but this is the Albion and you will know that if Charlie did go we would not fill the void.
-
MLS in January now being mentioned for Austin
-
Its 'one swallow doesn't make a summer' actually......
I would rather have him on the bench instead of either a) HRK, or b), a vacancy.
I do agree with your comments though, but this is the Albion and you will know that if Charlie did go we would not fill the void.
If it helps :D
translation (1926): Harris Rackham (1868-1944)
To be happy takes a complete lifetime; for one swallow does not make spring, nor does one fine day; and similarly one day or a brief period of happiness does not make a man supremely blessed and happy.
-
MLS in January now being mentioned for Austin
Wonder if grab-a-granny Rooney talked him into that during their recent telephone chat. Rumours are circling Wazza is going to replace Phillip Cocu as Derby manager.
-
Wonder if grab-a-granny Rooney talked him into that during their recent telephone chat. Rumours are circling Wazza is going to replace Phillip Cocu as Derby manager.
Don't know if anyone noticed that when we played Derby at ours at the end of last season, Charlie and Rooney were quite chatty with each other after the game. I had a daft idea in my head then that Rooney might have been tapping him up.
If he did it obviously didn't work. Then again money talks.
-
I don't understand the sentiment that he's good in a two or would be better if we played to his strengths. We don't, Bilic has rarely looked like opting for a two up top and we are unlikely to start. I'd prefer he go if I'm honest.
However, you give these players contracts and sell them the dream to get them to sign, you can't then be to up in arms if it doesn't go well and they wish to see those contracts out.
I have no issues with him sitting on his backside for a year and picking up his money. He has shown commitment and desire every time i've seen him play but his body is yards behind his brain. It's not been for want of trying and he has looked a frustrated man at times but still kept a positive persona. If he knows his legs are gone and doesn't want to slog through a season of Championship struggle at Derby then fair play. A season somewhere sunny in the states might be a more attractive proposition.
If he's not going because he thinks he still has something to offer at this level.....well i guess self confidence is a key personality trait for many a striker, even if in this case it is a bit misplaced.
-
I'm guessing it's either him or Ken as a lone striker against Burnley (which ever doesn't leave),
-
Austin holding on to MLS escape around christmas supposedly.
-
Logically he is a player towards the end of his career and there is a lot more financial certainty in the Premiership than there is in the Championship at the moment. I cannot see why he would move to Derby and take a significant pay cut? MLS might be more attractive, but even then, why not see out your contract with us? Financially it makes sense.
-
Austin holding on to MLS escape around christmas supposedly.
Shame we can't adapt the American Football approach and just bring him on to take penalties!
-
The truth is Austin has been milking his contracts for a little while now certainly for his last season at Southampton who would probably unloaded him a little sooner. It is now 3 seasons since Austin has played much more than 15 games worth of minutes in a season.
-
The truth is Austin has been milking his contracts for a little while now certainly for his last season at Southampton who would probably unloaded him a little sooner. It is now 3 seasons since Austin has played much more than 15 games worth of minutes in a season.
Saints chucked him in with the kids to try to get him to move on, wonder if we will do the same, too late for now though. From what people have said on here though sounds like he's got something lined up for MLS in Jan, hope it's true.
-
Saints chucked him in with the kids to try to get him to move on, wonder if we will do the same, too late for now though. From what people have said on here though sounds like he's got something lined up for MLS in Jan, hope it's true.
You can't chuck pro's in with the kids now due to Covid bubble rules !
-
You can't chuck pro's in with the kids now due to Covid bubble rules !
I think Bilic prefers HRK so wonder if he will leave Austin out as he's 4th choice it seems.
-
I think Bilic prefers HRK so wonder if he will leave Austin out as he's 4th choice it seems.
As it's 12 weeks until the next transfer window opens and Robson-Kanu could be out injured for at least half of that time, another option would be to leave Robson-Kanu out of the 25 man list. Personally, I'd prefer Austin to him.
-
As it's 12 weeks until the next transfer window opens and Robson-Kanu could be out injured for at least half of that time, another option would be to leave Robson-Kanu out of the 25 man list. Personally, I'd prefer Austin to him.
I would too but we all know Bilic won't play people he's not fussed about unless essential. Also the fact they are still willing to let him go speaks volumes.
They will be happy to manage with Robinson and Grant for a few weeks.
-
Assume that Charlie stayed after all that and may have to lead the line on Monday.
-
Not bad as a substitute option?
-
Not bad as a substitute option?
Not for me. He’s past it.
He looks like a cart horse trying to get around the pitch.
A shame really as he could have been useful had there been some life in his legs.
He’s clearly not in Bilic’s plans so I wouldn’t expect to see him any time soon.
-
A waste of time, finds himself 4th in the pecking order. Might as well loan him out in the Championship in January, then take a nominal fee <= £1m in the summer.
-
A waste of time, finds himself 4th in the pecking order. Might as well loan him out in the Championship in January, then take a nominal fee <= £1m in the summer.
Out of contract in the summer so will leave on a free. We might be able to unload in January but that is just a case of recovering some of his wages, nobody is going to pay us a fee.
-
Letting him go for sweet fa is better than paying him 50K+ pw
-
Letting him go for sweet fa is better than paying him 50K+ pw
Agreed taking his wages off the books might enable us to get some bodies in January
-
A waste of time, finds himself 4th in the pecking order. Might as well loan him out in the Championship in January, then take a nominal fee <= £1m in the summer.
I thought I had read somewhere that he was off to the MLS in January?
-
I thought I had read somewhere that he was off to the MLS in January?
That was the rumour some months back, build his money pot here off us for another few months knowing he wont be involved then off to sunnier ventures.
-
According to SSN, QPR are in advanced talks to sign Austin on loan until the end of the season. When is he contracted to us until?!
-
According to SSN, QPR are in advanced talks to sign Austin on loan until the end of the season. When is he contracted to us until?!
YEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
End of the season! Even if we save half his wages thats 35k pw
-
According to SSN, QPR are in advanced talks to sign Austin on loan until the end of the season. When is he contracted to us until?!
The end of the season
-
Having watched him come on in the last few games, it looks like his legs have gone. Sadly, you need to be topfit to play in the Prem League. I expect SA has got that message now.
-
This is brilliant news
-
So, 18 months after forking out a rumoured £11m for Zohore and Austin, both will be playing the rest of the season elsewhere. Austin was more useful than Zohore, but those are eye watering figures considering what other championship clubs pay.
Leaves just Robinson and Diaby available for the Wolves game, which suggests Allardyce is confident of landing somebody from abroad very soon.
-
I can’t imagine QPR are going to be paying his full wages. I’d hate to think the overall cost Austin has cost with his wages included you could see his legs had gone the first couple of games with us, him & Zohore we’re bad bits of business that probably cost the club the best part of £15m+ when wages, fee’s etc. are accounted for.
-
So, 18 months after forking out a rumoured £11m for Zohore and Austin, both will be playing the rest of the season elsewhere. Austin was more useful than Zohore, but those are eye watering figures considering what other championship clubs pay.
Leaves just Robinson and Diaby available for the Wolves game, which suggests Allardyce is confident of landing somebody from abroad very soon.
When our boards remit is to invest the little they have as wisely as they can it's staggering bad value for money.
-
If QPR are picking up any more than 20k a week of that reported 70k I'll be staggered.
Still, every little helps.
-
Having watched him come on in the last few games, it looks like his legs have gone. Sadly, you need to be topfit to play in the Prem League. I expect SA has got that message now.
You have to be fit to play in the Champ too. He looked lost in a lot of games for us last season.
-
You have to be fit to play in the Champ too. He looked lost in a lot of games for us last season.
Lets not curse this until hes signed for them.
-
he was never match fit because there were problems at Southampton so he did not have a pre season he was training alone.
-
he was never match fit because there were problems at Southampton so he did not have a pre season he was training alone.
He wasn't the Tractor that Lambert was but had just llost the goalscorers instinct and that half a yard all over the pitch. Was always just behind the game.
But to me, he was as frustrated with his own body as we were. He wanted to do more and I respected him for that.
-
YEah i think he knows his body can't do what his mind remembers it can. Shame really as i do like the guy but not cut out for PL football unless you can subs specifically for taking penalties then he'd kill it.
-
Liked him as a character but hoped for a bit more after he signed , his lack of pace and our lack of supply to the forwards at times was never a good combo.
-
Charlie did half a job last season and definitely was trying his best. Overall its not quite worked out though and any reduction in his remaining wage bill is welcome.
At least it looks like Allardyce is bringing in a striker and I'd imagine he'll know how to hold the ball up, as the current 'pinball' is killing us!
-
I'm curious to who the new foriegn striker will be. I do wish Charlie all the best but the contract he was put on was ridiculous but thats not his fault.
-
We might pay him a lump and try mutual termination and he might sign a deal there. Depends if he values football game time more than minutes.
Otherwise I would be staggered if they paid more than 20k a week for him..
-
We might pay him a lump and try mutual termination and he might sign a deal there. Depends if he values football game time more than minutes.
Otherwise I would be staggered if they paid more than 20k a week for him..
TRue i got too excited at half his wage but 20k a week saved is 20k a week saved.
-
I always liked Austin. Solid premier league striker in his time. Sadly he came to far down the wrong side of his curve. There are other points in his career we should have gone for him and he could have been a real favourite here.
Looking at this cold, Football contracts run until the end of June, so it’s probably fair to say we owe him the best part of £1.3m. If we could give him £500,000 now and he can go and get £20,000 per week on an 18 month deal with QPR it might just be best for everyone. Sadly agents know this and will probably be asking for much more for him to agree termination.
-
Can't knock Charlie, his attitude and commitment was never in question and he was probably crucial in the last few weeks last season, in terms of confidence. He just didn't have the legs. Contrast this to Zohore, who has everything a CF needs in terms of age, physicality etc. but lacks the confidence / motivation.
Put Charlie in Zohore's body and you'd have some player.
All the best Charlie, you are a legend down at QPR so hope you have a successful swansong, even if it's just keeping em up.
-
I like Charlie, one of the few characters we have in the dressing room but couldn't say he was a success or failure to be honest.
Just a thought, whats Rondon doing at the moment, I maybe wrong but I think the Chinese super league has finished.
-
A willing player who's body gasped with exhaustion at the speed of his footballing brain. Such a pity he was past his pomp by the time we got to see him in an Albion shirt. All of the best Charlie and thanks for those limbs at St Andrew's 8) .
-
I think some use the power of hindsight too much
At the time we signed him I think most would say he was what we needed and were quite happy...he has obviously now lost pace and is nowhere near prem
BUT
the goals against blues,the free kick vs Preston and that run and finish against Cardiff...he had some good times .
-
I think some use the power of hindsight too much
At the time we signed him I think most would say he was what we needed and were quite happy...he has obviously now lost pace and is nowhere near prem
BUT
the goals against blues,the free kick vs Preston and that run and finish against Cardiff...he had some good times .
Being brutally honest a lot of games last year he looked miles off , pace was never there .
Few key goals and quite a few pens calmly taken but he lost his place to HRK for a fair chunk .
Wouldn't call it a fail or a win really.
-
I think some use the power of hindsight too much
At the time we signed him I think most would say he was what we needed and were quite happy...he has obviously now lost pace and is nowhere near prem
BUT
the goals against blues,the free kick vs Preston and that run and finish against Cardiff...he had some good times .
No hindsight on my part. I haven't bothered checking my posts but I remember voicing concerns at the time regarding his previous injuries, general fitness and whether we'd be getting the Charlie Austin we needed.
-
He won us some crucial points last season and St Andrews was all him. Good attitude and he could have been better but he wasn't horrendous and I actually think he could have played a bigger part if given the chance. Barely got minutes after his brace v Blues and I was perplexed by this.
-
10 goals in a championship season is not successful in my book, its the same as HRK and he wasnt setting the world alight was he?
Ivan Toney already has 16 already this season !
-
10 goals in a championship season is not successful in my book, its the same as HRK and he wasnt setting the world alight was he?
Ivan Toney already has 16 already this season !
Get this deal done now. Will always be grateful for the goals at Blues, one of the best away days in recent times. Sadly however he is no longer anywhere near the standard we need.
-
Not in the squad for today, which suggests he's off, given we aren't playing with a recognised striker
-
Not in the squad for today, which suggests he's off, given we aren't playing with a recognised striker
Its been reported this morning hes at Loftus Road today watching QPR from the stands
-
All the best CHarlie!
-
Its been reported this morning hes at Loftus Road today watching QPR from the stands
And he’ll probably be happy playing that position.
-
One down 11 or 12 to go, not the worst but that ain't saying much.
-
QPR confirm Austin has signed for them on their Twitter.
-
OS saying signed for QPR. Result.
-
QPR confirm Austin has signed for them on their Twitter.
Good news, all we need now is notification another dozen or so have followed him out the door.
-
A signing that hasn’t worked.
How much did we spend on strikers last season? Not good enough from Dowling.
-
A signing that hasn’t worked.
How much did we spend on strikers last season? Not good enough from Dowling.
Think we got our moneys worth. Without Blues we don't go up.
-
A signing that hasn’t worked.
How much did we spend on strikers last season? Not good enough from Dowling.
We've made far worse signings. Didn't score a bagful but goals he got helped get us some important points. Problem was, like several others, should have been shifted on in summer.
We showed way too much loyalty to the likes of Sawyers, Bartley, Furlong, Livermore and are paying price.
-
Fell away completely after lockdown. Was reasonable before that I thought. Hopefully a good move for all.
-
Think we got our moneys worth. Without Blues we don't go up.
Plus late winning penalties against Sheffield Wednesday and Preston
Thanks for your contribution last season Charlie and good luck
-
Cheers for those pens and Blues away, Charlie!
-
In the interview on QPR site says he has plenty of fire in his belly still. Not quite sure whats in his belly si fire but fair play. A very likeable bloke who can do a job in the EFL if they play to his strengths.
-
Another great signing by Dowling.
-
A good move for him. He can may be just about do a job in the Champ. In his last few subs appearances here, he was way off the pace. It took SA several games to find out.
-
Little dig at Austin from our OS perhaps.
"Charlie Austin has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan for the remainder of his Albion contract which expires at the end of the season. Everyone at the training ground will miss Charlie’s presence and we all wish him well in his future career.â€"
-
Another great signing by that idiot Dowling.
Proven goalscorer at championship level when we signed him with a better goalscoring record than Dwight Gayle and J Rod just hasnt worked out as well as we hoped
-
Another one off the wage bill, or at least partly off it. Six more to go.....
-
Proven goalscorer at championship level when we signed him with a better goalscoring record than Dwight Gayle and J Rod just hasnt worked out as well as we hoped
Yeah, it as risky due to his age, but his striker instincts are still pretty good. He just doesn't have the legs any more. I was hoping he would be more of a Kevin Phillps signing.
-
Little dig at Austin from our OS perhaps.
"Charlie Austin has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan for the remainder of his Albion contract which expires at the end of the season. Everyone at the training ground will miss Charlie’s presence and we all wish him well in his future career.â€"
I don’t think so. I suspect it probably means he’s great with all the staff
-
Yeah, it as risky due to his age, but his striker instincts are still pretty good. He just doesn't have the legs any more. I was hoping he would be more of a Kevin Phillps signing.
Me too. I expected more from him. HRK was much better than him last season which says it all
-
I don’t think so. I suspect it probably means he’s great with all the staff
Fair point, i didn't consider that.
-
Pretty useless was Austin.
He never wanted to do the hard yards, that he was below HRK despite being more talented says it all.
He couldn't be bothered to get fit and demand a 1st team place, just all too easy to accept his inflated wages and "hide".
-
Pretty useless was Austin.
He never wanted to do the hard yards, that he was below HRK despite being more talented says it all.
He couldn't be bothered to get fit and demand a 1st team place, just all too easy to accept his inflated wages and "hide".
Have you got any proof of these allegations?
-
Honestly, to me he just looked like his legs had gone. He seemed to want it enough but there's nothing you can do when you get to that age and fitness falls away.
-
Little dig at Austin from our OS perhaps.
"Charlie Austin has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan for the remainder of his Albion contract which expires at the end of the season. Everyone at the training ground will miss Charlie’s presence and we all wish him well in his future career.â€"
It they’d quoted, ‘will NOT miss’, then that would be dig. Or have I missed something?
-
It they’d quoted, ‘will NOT miss’, then that would be dig. Or have I missed something?
I took it wrongly it seems that they were hinting he hardly played but was a good lad to have around which isnt a massively horrible thing to say.
-
Have you got any proof of these allegations?
Absolutely zero I’m sure.
The ‘want’ to do well was there, as said above his legs had gone at the level we required them to be.
I’m not going to dig him out over that.
He gave me some smiles last season.
I thank him for that and we move forward
-
Little dig at Austin from our OS perhaps.
"Charlie Austin has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan for the remainder of his Albion contract which expires at the end of the season. Everyone at the training ground will miss Charlie’s presence and we all wish him well in his future career.â€"
I’ve heard he’s a top bloke. Just another classic example of a signing the club should have done 2+ years ago Gaz. The usual modus operandi!
-
He did ok for us in the EFL but he was never sutied to Slavs style. The PL is too much for him now but i do like the guy.
-
Billic didnt want him Dowling brought him anyway. Total waste of space and time. Good riddance.
-
QPR arent getting the same Austin they had a few years ago. he had a decent scoring spell November December time but didnt look fully fit and overall its looks more like an average signing, than a decent one.
We signed Zohore and Austin for about 12 million quid and 18 months later they are both on loan at md table championship clubs. That is Luke Dowling.
-
Billic didnt want him Dowling brought him anyway. Total waste of space and time. Good riddance.
Not quite true , Bilic Ok'd it after speaking to both Charlie and Koeman who had him at Saints.
-
Absolutely zero I’m sure.
The ‘want’ to do well was there, as said above his legs had gone at the level we required them to be.
I’m not going to dig him out over that.
He gave me some smiles last season.
I thank him for that and we move forward
And i do i loved Charlie boy he won me a tenner off some one in my pub! (Remember them!?)
-
It they’d quoted, ‘will NOT miss’, then that would be dig. Or have I missed something?
Do they mean he used to keep the sun off them?😀
-
Has anybody seen how much of his wage qpr are paying?
-
Has anybody seen how much of his wage qpr are paying?
No but it'll be minimal. 25% at most I'd think (£17.5k per week)
-
Hes just scored for them on his (re) debut :(
-
A free header at the back post after a flick on from a corner.
Watching it did take me back to what Johnnycash said earlier about the quality of goals in the premier league and the lower leagues.
-
An free header at the back post after a flick on from a corner.
Watching it did takr me back to what Johnnycash said earlier about the quality of goals in the premier league and the lower leagues.
Yes I've just it on Twitter
He did score one like that on his debut for us
-
;D Apparently blowing out his backside after 50 mins....Warburton took him off and made the comment "We have to bring Charlies' fitness level up".
Beggers the question are the Albion squad fit enough??? Obviously not as fit as most of their Premiership opposition??? This is a problem if so.
-
Might be worth reading this thread again from the beginning.
-
I think HRK's company have hacked the fitness mainframe. They haven't looked fit enough since returning from Lockdown 1.
-
I think HRK's company have hacked the fitness mainframe. They haven't looked fit enough since returning from Lockdown 1.
Too many Turmeric shots ;) ?......
https://www.google.com/amp/s/food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/5-side-effects-of-turmeric-haldi-how-much-is-too-much-1746375%3famp=1&akamai-rum=off
-
;D Apparently blowing out his backside after 50 mins....Warburton took him off and made the comment "We have to bring Charlies' fitness level up".
Beggers the question are the Albion squad fit enough??? Obviously not as fit as most of their Premiership opposition??? This is a problem if so.
To be fair, he's getting on a bit, his legs are gone, and he's not being playing regular first team football.
The shock will come when Warburton finds out that that's as much as he'll get out of an aging Charlie.
-
To be fair, he's getting on a bit, his legs are gone, and he's not being playing regular first team football.
The shock will come when Warburton finds out that that's as much as he'll get out of an aging Charlie.
To be fair, his legs had gone before he joined us. The shock is that the club thought he could play himself into fitness once he joined.
-
To be fair, he's getting on a bit, his legs are gone, and he's not being playing regular first team football.
The shock will come when Warburton finds out that that's as much as he'll get out of an aging Charlie.
If he manages the same goal per game ratio for them as he had for us, well i reckon they will be happy. He can still nick the odd goal and is a superb penalty taker. If they expected any more then they have obviously not actually watched him for the last year.
-
He's definitely a Championship player now, hasn't got the legs to cut it in the prem.
-
Interesting article about his last few months with us.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/charlie-austin-makes-slaven-bilic-19647324
This bit stuck out though...
“If I’d have sulked for two months, then it’s December and it’s too late to get your head around performing. I started training a lot better than I had been because I thought I was going to leave, forced my way back in, but still nothing changed.â€
-
Interesting article about his last few months with us.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/charlie-austin-makes-slaven-bilic-19647324
This bit stuck out though...
“If I’d have sulked for two months, then it’s December and it’s too late to get your head around performing. I started training a lot better than I had been because I thought I was going to leave, forced my way back in, but still nothing changed.â€
Bilić famous man management ;) key to a harmonious squad...
Pull the other one.
-
Bilić famous man management key to a harmonious squad...
Pull the other one.
Austin was told he was 4th or 5th choice, it's not exactly surprising that players out of favour would prefer to be playing football. This article is based on a BBC five live interview with Austin which was fairly interesting. He was asked if Albion would survive, there was a pause followed by an emphatic no an the table doesn't lie comment from him and they need players in. Telling that current squad members don't think we are good enough either.
-
"I started training a lot better than I had been because I thought I was going to leaveâ€
So couldn't be bothered to train to play for us. Nice one.
When I read the article it came across to me like a truckload of sour grapes.
-
So couldn't be bothered to train to play for us. Nice one.
When I read the article it came across to me like a truckload of sour grapes.
Yeah he comes across as a bit of a tit to me as well. Thankfully he's gone now. Has to face up to his reality of where he's at in his career now and doesn't seem like he likes it. No shame in being a decent EFL striker IMO, i'd love to be paid to play footy.
-
This was the bit that stuck out for me
“I went to see Sam [Allardyce] on the Friday, and he just said ‘look, we’ve accepted an from QPR for you to go and speak to them,"
So SA didn't rate him either.
-
anyone who has seen Austins performances at B71 will know that he is past it as far as EPL is concerned, Bilic knew it , CA couldnt accept it. Its that simple really.
-
This was the bit that stuck out for me
“I went to see Sam [Allardyce] on the Friday, and he just said ‘look, we’ve accepted an from QPR for you to go and speak to them,"
So SA didn't rate him either.
He was spent when he got here sadly. We all knew he wasnt the player he used to be but i dont think any of thought he would be as far gone as he was. Totally unsuited to our style and tactics and its 50-70k per week wasted. Top Dowling.
-
Its worth going back to Pages 1 & 2 of this thread and re-reading with the benefit of hindsight !
Signing strikers over 30 is rarely a good move ! The only 1 who I can recollect working for us was SKP and he was by any measure exceptional, even Kanu (the real one) was only allegedly 28 when he came here
-
Hopefully he will score plenty of goals for QPR and we can flog him. Scored just 10 for us in the Championship.
-
Hopefully he will score plenty of goals for QPR and we can flog him. Scored just 10 for us in the Championship.
He’s out of contract in the summer mate so we won’t be making any money on him.
-
Hopefully he will score plenty of goals for QPR and we can flog him. Scored just 10 for us in the Championship.
His contracts up end of season. He's gone.
-
Cheers guys thanks for the info. If he is on £70k as has been stated it will be good that he goes.
-
Bilić famous man management ;) key to a harmonious squad...
Pull the other one.
Cheap dig. Austin admitted that he hadn't been putting sufficient effort into training. Do you condone that? Bilic was quite right to sideline him with that attitude. He only started training properly when he thought he'd be leaving??? Disgraceful lack of professionalism.
-
So he can be slack in training but still get paid the same?
How so?
-
I dont see a lot wrong with what Austin has said. It's just the way football is sometimes. He doesn't seem to feel it was personal or hold any grudges.
The quote about not training doesn't read correctly, so I would question if it has been recorded correctly / hits the context it was said in. I think Austin is a savvy enough operator not to announce he downs tools.
However, If anyone thinks players train full throttle when they are are cast from the main group and don't see a way back in, I think they'll be disappointed with the reality.
-
I dont see a lot wrong with what Austin has said. It's just the way football is sometimes. He doesn't seem to feel it was personal or hold any grudges.
The quote about not training doesn't read correctly, so I would question if it has been record correctly. I think Austin is a savvy enough operator not to announce he downs tools.
However, If anyone thinks players train full throttle when they are are cast from the main group and don't see a way back in, I think they'll be disappointed with the reality.
'However, If anyone thinks players train full throttle when they are are cast from the main group and don't see a way back in, I think they'll be disappointed with the reality.'
But they are happy to pick up their full wages at the end of the month though.
-
I dont see a lot wrong with what Austin has said. It's just the way football is sometimes. He doesn't seem to feel it was personal or hold any grudges.
The quote about not training doesn't read correctly, so I would question if it has been recorded correctly / hits the context it was said in. I think Austin is a savvy enough operator not to announce he downs tools.
However, If anyone thinks players train full throttle when they are are cast from the main group and don't see a way back in, I think they'll be disappointed with the reality.
Come on mate you know the score, we can't let anything take the shine off Slaven's halo 😉
-
I dont see a lot wrong with what Austin has said. It's just the way football is sometimes. He doesn't seem to feel it was personal or hold any grudges.
The quote about not training doesn't read correctly, so I would question if it has been record correctly. I think Austin is a savvy enough operator not to announce he downs tools.
However, If anyone thinks players train full throttle when they are are cast from the main group and don't see a way back in, I think they'll be disappointed with the reality.
It was pretty obvious to those of us with our eyes open that he wasn't training properly. At least a stone overweight and completely shattered within the hour.
-
'However, If anyone thinks players train full throttle when they are are cast from the main group and don't see a way back in, I think they'll be disappointed with the reality.'
But they are happy to pick up their full wages at the end of the month though.
As is everyone of us, when we finish work a bit early, or arrive a bit late, or spend 10 minutes surfing a forum during office hours.
I'm not going to say its 'right' but as I've got older I've given up holding footballers to such high standards. Human nature is human nature.
-
As is everyone of us, when we finish work a bit early, or arrive a bit late, or spend 10 minutes surfing a forum during office hours.
I'm not going to say its 'right' but as I've got older I've given up holding footballers to such high standards. Human nature is human nature.
So if you were West Brom manager, and players were arriving late, leaving early and not putting much effort into training, you'd be fine with that because it's "human nature"? Doubt it very much.
-
So if you were West Brom manager, and players were arriving late, leaving early and not putting much effort into training, you'd be fine with that because it's "human nature"? Doubt it very much.
Clearly i'm talking here as a fan and from my perspective. Not as in a fantasy land where I am manager. I agree with moving Austin on.
However I also know clubs have 'bomb squads' and players on the periphery, you'll not get away from that. You'll rarely have all people on side, especially when results are poor. The managers job is to manage that, trying to shift them, gee them up, or stop it affecting the rest of the group.
I'm sure CA could have looked after himself better and I'd agree he did seem unfit, I dont think I've disagreed with that.
-
Glad he's gone if that was his attitude
-
Austin has rejected us in a previous transfer window and earlier on in this.
He's getting desperate. Is he likely to come in get himself on the treatment table as much as possible and pick up his pay checks?
I've done what someone suggested above and gone back the the earlier posts. It was a mistake to bring him in but typical of recruitment of this club in recent years. Another Ivanovitch anyone?
-
I've done what someone suggested above and gone back the the earlier posts. It was a mistake to bring him in but typical of recruitment of this club in recent years. Another Ivanovitch anyone?
I think the consensus is Ivanovic is shot and he has an 18 month contract doesn't he? Another example of signing has beens, being disastrous.
If a get a few days, I'll start compiling a list ! I personally can go back as far as Geoff Hurst, this club does not learn and the fans are so desperate that they often forget.
-
I think the consensus is Ivanovic is shot and he has an 18 month contract doesn't he? Another example of signing has beens, being disastrous.
If a get a few days, I'll start compiling a list ! I personally can go back as far as Geoff Hurst, this club does not learn and the fans are so desperate that they often forget.
Think it was only a year thankfully.
-
Think it was only a year thankfully.
Still unforgivable ! As an aside, How he managed to perform as he did on debut is still baffling to me !
-
On a different note never liked his off-field character when being interviewed.
-
Still unforgivable ! As an aside, How he managed to perform as he did on debut is still baffling to me !
Name the Albion player that scored a hat trick in a World Cup Final?
It was worth the money we paid for him just to be able to ask that quiz question 😂😂😂
-
Name the Albion player that scored a hat trick in a World Cup Final?
It was worth the money we paid for him just to be able to ask that quiz question 😂😂😂
I believe Geof Hurst was the only player to score a hat trick in a World Cup Final!!
-
This was the bit that stuck out for me
“I went to see Sam [Allardyce] on the Friday, and he just said ‘look, we’ve accepted an from QPR for you to go and speak to them,"
So SA didn't rate him either.
I think Austin's wages went up when we got promoted , quite an increase too from memory .
Think we have to be greatful it was his beloved QPR that came in , I was sure he'd just let that contract run out .
-
Believe he went from 50k in the EFL to 70k in the PL. Jeez.
-
Believe he went from 50k in the EFL to 70k in the PL. Jeez.
who the hell is sanctioning these deals? Gobsmacked when I read HRK was on 55k when he signed and still miffed that Evans had 3 million release clause when we got relagated.
-
The thing is with Austin though, we all knew he was a bit lazy and had an attitude from his time at Saints and even in his very early semi-pro career he didn't take football professionally.
We also paid over-the-odds for him...
BUT - he ultimately got us promoted and I think he was our top scorer last season. Remember, we didn't really have a goalscorer as a striker last year (HRK was the best one really which says a lot) so Austin scored some massive penalties and goals.
I think sometimes if you want promotion, you have to just sacrifice the long-term for the short-term with strikers. I know we could have possibly bought in a better striker but another way of looking at it is that you invest say £8 million in Austin to get promoted and access to £150 million or whatever it is...I don't think anyone on the board or as fans viewed him as a long-term striker in the Premier League and 2 years is probably the shortest deal he would accept.
-
Another terrible signing. There is no way we paid him anything like £50k a week in the Championship had we not got promoted that wage alone would have been a calamity and a millstone around our necks this year and that was before Covid struck. Even at £25k a week you have to crush the Championship to justify it. Austin didn't and never looked like doing so.
-
He was probably on 30k a Week up to 60-70k on promotion.
He played his part got his vital goals and we have now probably managed to shift 20k a week off the books for 20-30 weeks so 400-600k saved for the club
-
I do not accept the he got us promotion argument at all, he was joint 29th highest scorer in the championship. Yes joint 29th on a par with such luminaries as Tom Lawrence / Keiffer Moore & Jed Wallace, who??? I hear you say !!!,
Think about that in the context of our season and how many pens he scored. Simply A very, very average championship striker who we paid fortunes to, Bilic and Allardyce got it right, whoever signed him did not !
-
I do not accept the he got us promotion argument at all, he was joint 29th highest scorer in the championship. Yes joint 29th on a par with such luminaries as Tom Lawrence / Keiffer Moore & Jed Wallace, who??? I hear you say !!!,
Think about that in the context of our season and how many pens he scored. Simply A very, very average championship striker who we paid fortunes to, Bilic and Allardyce got it right, whoever signed him did not !
he was most definitely a Bilic signing, he eluded to this on the interview he did with Stan Collymore, Bilic personally called him to convince him to join
-
On TalkSPORT this morning, talks well on a range of things less of an ego that is portrayed.
-
I do not accept the he got us promotion argument at all, he was joint 29th highest scorer in the championship. Yes joint 29th on a par with such luminaries as Tom Lawrence / Keiffer Moore & Jed Wallace, who??? I hear you say !!!,
Think about that in the context of our season and how many pens he scored. Simply A very, very average championship striker who we paid fortunes to, Bilic and Allardyce got it right, whoever signed him did not !
Non of their clubs went up?
-
Non of their clubs went up?
Yeah, but to be fair, we didn't do up because of Charlie (definitely not Steve) Austin....
One for the oldies.
-
Yeah, but to be fair, we didn't do up because of Charlie (definitely not Steve) Austin....
One for the oldies.
At least he wasnt the six million dollar (pound) man 8)
-
At least he wasnt the six million dollar (pound) man 8)
Played like someone had rebuilt him though ...without the power to do it... and from pies.
-
Just watching Charlie boy. I can't believe he is the same player we had here. What was going on with our training and fitness regime under Bilic? He as lost weight hasn't stopped running all night and as just scored a good headed goal. Charlie Austin lean, mean goal scoring machine!!
-
I have to say one of the major question marks of our side under Bilic was fitness- looking at Livermore in particular who seems to have lost all ability to move.
Austin was a great example too, especially in that period after the lockdown where we stumbled over the line for promotion.
-
I have to say one of the major question marks of our side under Bilic was fitness- looking at Livermore in particular who seems to have lost all ability to move.
Austin was a great example too, especially in that period after the lockdown where we stumbled over the line for promotion.
Ask all West Ham fans, they will say the players became so unfit compared to others under Bilic. I really don’t get this love in with Bilic. Major reason we are in this mess now (unpopular opinion I know)
-
Everyones fitness collapsed under his regime. It's all well and good creating a nice friendly atmosphere where the guys loooooooooveeee to go to work but they are paid professionals on loads of money. Work them to the bone.
-
Everyones fitness collapsed under his regime. It's all well and good creating a nice friendly atmosphere where the guys loooooooooveeee to go to work but they are paid professionals on loads of money. Work them to the bone.
Get em working aaaarrd and running up hills pre season ;D
-
Get em working aaaarrd and running up hills pre season ;D
Would likely have us in better place than we currently are.
-
Scores again. 4 in 6 now for QPR
-
Scores again. 4 in 6 now for QPR
Having watched him many times for us, I find this statistic incredible.
-
He looks slimmer now. Combined with the drop in defensive quality he's found his level at this stage of his career.
-
I wonder if they're playing to his strengths.........
-
I wonder if they're playing to his strengths.........
I'm not being sarcastic, but i don't know what his strengths are.
Speed - no
heading ability - no
mobility - no
anticipation - maybe
hold up play - no
all i can come up with is experience and nous. Which is alright until you play against defenders with same. Perhaps that is it, he is now at his level.
-
I'm not being sarcastic, but i don't know what his strengths are.
Speed - no
heading ability - no
mobility - no
anticipation - maybe
hold up play - no
all i can come up with is experience and nous. Which is alright until you play against defenders with same. Perhaps that is it, he is now at his level.
but I think Dan was being sarcastic.... ;D
-
I'm not being sarcastic, but i don't know what his strengths are.
Speed - no
heading ability - no
mobility - no
anticipation - maybe
hold up play - no
all i can come up with is experience and nous. Which is alright until you play against defenders with same. Perhaps that is it, he is now at his level.
Finishing.
-
Scores again. 4 in 6 now for QPR
He's happier. He's nearer home. He'd already turned us down a season or two before he came to us; we must have been a last resort. That's the risk of taking someone used to being in the south east out of his comfort zone.
Also he's probably playing with a manager who doesn't want a lone attacker who has to chase the ball being passed between the opposition's back line.
-
Finishing.
I kind of agree and the two chances he took at Brum last season demonstrate that, however how many chances did he not finish before he finally scored for us last season in the league?
-
I always argued that if we started him more often he'd have been our goalscorer - the one we needed. In the Championship anyway. His goals per minutes proves that. He may not be the most incredible player when he isn't scoring but he's just an old school striker that puts opportunities away.
He looks slimmer now. Combined with the drop in defensive quality he's found his level at this stage of his career.
Now...i thought stripes were slimming and hoops were a no-no for the dad bod but perhaps I've got it the wrong way round?!
-
I kind of agree and the two chances he took at Brum last season demonstrate that, however how many chances did he not finish before he finally scored for us last season in the league?
I'll be perfectly honest. I thought he was pretty much shot before he joined us. There's no denying he missed a number of presentable chances and his timing was often out. However, if you sign a proven forward whose movements are limited, limit his movements to areas where he's proven. He was like a fish out of water in our set up.
We needed a mobile forward who could link play with those around him, turning to spin in on goal as and when required. Instead we got a goalscorer who was often blowing out his rear rocket within the first ten or twenty minutes and cream crackered when chances came his way. He was chasing shadows half the time.
-
Now...i thought stripes were slimming and hoops were a no-no for the dad bod but perhaps I've got it the wrong way round?!
I dunno Lewis but he definitely LOOKS slimmer ;D plus in some clips from the EFL i've seen him moving at a pace, compared to with us anyway.
-
I dunno Lewis but he definitely LOOKS slimmer ;D plus in some clips from the EFL i've seen him moving at a pace, compared to with us anyway.
I think our lot look fitter too so perhaps they had it easy when SB was with us.......
-
I think our lot look fitter too so perhaps they had it easy when SB was with us.......
They do look fitter now to be fair. No wonder the lads were happy under Slav, little fitness work.
-
It was the same at West Ham under Bilic, fans complained the players weren't fit enough.
I judge each manager on his merits. Never did understand the "overwhelming" love in for Bilic.
-
Think they want to buy him?
-
Think they want to buy him?
Could they afford his wages?
-
Think they want to buy him?
I'm pretty sure he's out of contract at the end of this season.
-
I'm pretty sure he's out of contract at the end of this season.
Hes on a free in summer we won't be renewing him
-
At least he will be off our books.
Unless Dowling has other ideas.
-
Even though I felt Bilic was partly to blame for the fitness issues, ultimately it's down to the pros themselves as well.
I always got the feeling that even though Austin tried hard on the pitch, he didn't off the pitch...if that makes sense?
So, he was clearly trying on the weekend but during the week I don't know what he was up to.
-
Hes just scored another one
-
Hes just scored another one
Getting boring now........................Sam on the bench as usual
-
Getting boring now........................Sam on the bench as usual
Yep another manager not playing Sam........
-
Yep another manager not playing Sam........
Some people might suggest Sam isn't good enough...
-
Some people might suggest Sam isn't good enough...
He quite clearly isnt
-
Some people might suggest Sam isn't good enough...
He absolutely isn’t, unfortunately.
-
Was on Soccer AM, said once we got in the PL, Bilic said he wanted to go in a different way but even though we werent winning he wasnt given a chance. Thern said he got a few appearances but Bilic was sacked. Felt might have had a chance under Sam but he was appreciate of the fact Sam and Dowling let him go to QPR. Missed playing football too much.
-
In todays Athletic article it says we have a years option on Austin, i thought he was done.
-
In todays Athletic article it says we have a years option on Austin, i thought he4 was done.
I saw that , wonder if they will rethink with him in the goals and no doubt our cost cutting .
-
In todays Athletic article it says we have a years option on Austin, i thought he was done.
Exercising that option may be a mistake.
I like Chazza but he is no longer worth £50k a week.
I hope QPR want him back.
-
I saw that , wonder if they will rethink with him in the goals and no doubt our cost cutting .
Now hes fit enough to run he could be useful at this level on a 1 year deal but not on 40-50k per week.
I like Chazza but he is no longer worth £50k a week.
Very true.
-
I'd release him and if we want him negotiate on much lower terms.
-
I'd release him and if we want him negotiate on much lower terms.
He’ll still want another big payday yet. Especially now he’s in his early 30’s and unlikely to play at the very top level again. Not on a consistent basis anyway.
Chazza and his agent will no doubt be seeking outt another £30k - £40k a week contract somewhere. How else is he going to be able to afford to drive that lovely Aston Martin of his! 😬
-
Dreading this summer.
-
Dreading this summer.
Depends on what’s happening with Big Sam.
If he’s going, let him be gone. If he’s staying (which I’m hoping he does) then we need to hit the ground running right now.
-
We won’t trigger it, although CA will know his next contract is now probably closer to his Swindon contract than his largest.
-
Cut him loose
-
Release! Just like HRK and anybody else we can.
-
Phone the Vile !
-
He absolutely isn’t, unfortunately.
QPR fans are saying he has been very good for them, but he hasn't been starting because they don't want to trigger the games started clause.
They cannot afford his transfer fee so haven't been starting him.
QPR fans want to keep him from what I have seen.
-
QPR fans are saying he has been very good for them, but he hasn't been starting because they don't want to trigger the games started clause.
They cannot afford his transfer fee so haven't been starting him.
QPR fans want to keep him from what I have seen.
Unless we trigger the extra year on his contract (very unlikely) there won't be a transfer fee will there ?
-
Unless we trigger the extra year on his contract (very unlikely) there won't be a transfer fee will there ?
Exactly why they have not started him, They have him settled and now can sign him up on a free
-
personally I'd let him go just to free his wages up
-
personally I'd let him go just to free his wages up
Anyone got Stokes number ???
-
Unless we trigger the extra year on his contract (very unlikely) there won't be a transfer fee will there ?
You are saying albion have the choice of:
A) extend Sam's contract by a year and get a fee OR
B) let Sam leave on a free and get NO fee.
Which one do you think we will choose???
-
If Dowling even considers extending Austin or HRK's contract further he should be sacked. We need to learn as a club to stop giving these players their final pay day.
-
You are saying albion have the choice of:
A) extend Sam's contract by a year and get a fee OR
B) let Sam leave on a free and get NO fee.
Which one do you think we will choose???
Is there some confusion here ? This is the Charlie Austin thread but you are talking about Sam ? I'm assuming you mean Field not Allardyce ?
-
Is there some confusion here ? This is the Charlie Austin thread but you are talking about Sam ? I'm assuming you mean Field not Allardyce ?
Yes,vsorry, someone else mentioned Sam Field and I think I merged the two.
Field is under contract.
Austin has a one year option.
Let's discuss Austin, sorry.
-
Yes,vsorry, someone else mentioned Sam Field and I think I merged the two.
Field is under contract.
Austin has a one year option.
Let's discuss Austin, sorry.
No problem. As far as Charlie goes I hope it's a straight case of us not taking up the option and he can get himself his next deal whether with QPR or elsewhere.
-
You are saying albion have the choice of:
A) extend Sam's contract by a year and get a fee OR
B) let Sam leave on a free and get NO fee.
Which one do you think we will choose???
Sam has to sign the contract for it to be of any use to us
-
For what it's worth it wouldn't surprise me if we actually activated that extra year as the rebuild is going to be massive as it is. Dowling will see it as a quick and easy way of filling the squad with a chpionship quality striker who has done well the last 6 months. Even though Austin, Zohore and HRK need bombing out of the club ASAP.
-
Sam has to sign the contract for it to be of any use to us
sorry, as stated above, i commented on Field due to another poster's reference and then merged comments about Austin.
Austin has an option in the club's favour. Sam already has a year left (I believe?).
However, i thought that contracts with a year extension normally worked in two ways:
1. In the club's favour - the club trigger it regardless of the player's wishes.
2. In the player's favour - it is triggered if the player meets appearances etc.
i am not sure there is an option where the player can pick and choose whether to exercise the additional year. That is simply a new contract extension discussion??
Happy to be proved wrong.
-
with how cynical clubs are about not playing players and triggering clauses, it would be naïve in the extreme of players and agents to sign away their rights as you describe, "the club trigger it regardless of the player's wishes." wouldn't it??
-
with how cynical clubs are about not playing players and triggering clauses, it would be naïve in the extreme of players and agents to sign away their rights as you describe, "the club trigger it regardless of the player's wishes." wouldn't it??
i agree with you, but that is my understanding. Haven't there been cases where the club has triggered the extra year and the player has been unhappy?
To counter what you said, the player and agent would have signed to that agreement in the first place?
-
We simply must release Austin. It bothers me not that he did okay at QPR. I have seen enough to know that he's well past his sell by date. Lets move on please.
-
We simply must release Austin. It bothers me not that he did okay at QPR. I have seen enough to know that he's well past his sell by date. Lets move on please.
It might be a case of extending his contract in order to sell him to get a bit of money in. We shall see. Overall Austin was a decent signing, we wouldn't have got automatic promotion without him last year, so he played his part.
-
Kenneth Zohore took some natty penalties to add to our points tally too..... it'll be great having him spearhead our charge to the penalty spot next term....
-
Giving him a contract extension on 40k pw or whatever on the chance of receiving a nominal fee is risky business and one thats bound to backfire.
-
Giving him a contract extension on 40k pw or whatever on the chance of receiving a nominal fee is risky business and one thats bound to backfire.
I doubt the club would trigger his deal unless they were certain a) they have a buyer lined up and/or b) the manger actually wants him in the squad.
-
I doubt the club would trigger his deal unless they were certain a) they have a buyer lined up and/or b) the manger actually wants him in the squad.
Definitely but all it takes is the buyer to change their mind and thats 2m quid down the swan in wages.
-
Only Talksport, but they are reporting QPR are keen to sign Austin on a free.
-
Only Talksport, but they are reporting QPR are keen to sign Austin on a free.
No **** sherlock ? Investigative journalism at its best !
-
Only Talksport, but they are reporting QPR are keen to sign Austin on a free.
Journalism at its finest right there!
-
Charlie has been working for them lately (had to happen) so they should have some decent info.
-
My point posting this was I don't think that interest will remain if we trigger the extension lads ;D
-
My point posting this was I don't think that interest will remain if we trigger the extension lads ;D
Depends how much QPR are willing to pay to buy him out of that triggered final year he has with us. I'd be tempted to trigger it if we could get an extra 250/400k in the bank.
-
Depends how much QPR are willing to pay to buy him out of that triggered final year he has with us. I'd be tempted to trigger it if we could get an extra 250/400k in the bank.
That's my point. I don't think they're willing to pay anything. Covering his wage demands will be an ask for them.
-
That's my point. I don't think they're willing to pay anything. Covering his wage demands will be an ask for them.
Surely at his age though he should accept he is going to have to lower those demands.
-
A couple of reports coming from London tonight that Austin and Field are set to sign for QPR on permanent deals.
-
Officially signed for QPR on a perm deal. All the best.
-
Yup. Scored some very important goals despite shabby treatment from management re runs of games.
Good luck.
-
Brace at blues was superb, gets a thumbs up for that alone
All the best.
-
Brace at blues was superb, gets a thumbs up for that alone
All the best.
Yes it was, it made for a special away day. Mostly underwhelming other than that day though.
-
Cheers Charlie, all the best in the new post.