Damien Duff??

[Salama]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=307846&cc=5901

I haven't heard this rumour anywhere else, so odds are it comes to nothing (at least until next season), but the possibility is intriguing.

Duff,C.Ronaldo and Giggs alternating playing the two wings would be superb. I've heard Duff can play on the right, and Giggs does it relatively well, so I'd be all for it.

[Potomac Red Devil]

Well, we can dream can't we? This would basically solve our winger problems straight out.

[Achtung]

It's a rumor that's been tossed around many times before, though the likelihood of Chelsea selling him to a direct title contender is pretty low. The only way I see this happening is if Keane and Miller convince him and he demands a transfer to no one but Manchester United. It's a possibility, but the odds seem pretty slim to me. Either way, if it happened, it would be awesome.

[Robert25]

I agree this is a longshot, and would ony come if Duff presses hard for it.

He cost them a huge fee last year and also last season he was their best player. When he was not there Chelsea's whole offence was much weaker. This year however they have Robben if they need him. So maybe...

I'd love to have him though. He is young and could be the successor to Giggs. He has great skill and would add signficant depth too. Its worth a few calls and talks by ManU I think.

[nicephoras]

The only way he would go to United is if he took Kenyon hostage at gunpoint, and forced him to sign.
Because if he demanded we sell him to you folks, we'd take the loss and Bogarde him.

(You know, that's a REALLY great pun, now that I think about it :D)

[prk166]

This whole Duff thing is just craziness. Chelsea buying Robben when the have Duff. Duff not making the bench today. Paying £20m for Carvalho. I don't know what to expect out of that club anymore.

[ilv2]

we want duff!

[50 Euro]

The only way he would go to United is if he took Kenyon hostage at gunpoint, and forced him to sign.
Because if he demanded we sell him to you folks, we'd take the loss and Bogarde him.

(You know, that's a REALLY great pun, now that I think about it :D)
Bogarde :D
Anyway, Duff would be the perfect acquisition for Utd, and as I think I said before he frequently gets rumored in connection with the club simply because he supported it in his youth. Supposedly, prior to Duff's signing with Chelsea, Utd were after him, but Fergie had fears about his durability. Don't see this happening (as nicephoras stated above), but I don't get the way Mourinho is handling this situation. Maybe it will motivate Duff :rolleyes: but it seems unsettling to me, and while Chelsea got the narrow win at Birmingham yesterday, they certainly could've used him instead of Smertin IMHO.

[Dark Savante]

The only way he would go to United is if he took Kenyon hostage at gunpoint, and forced him to sign.
Because if he demanded we sell him to you folks, we'd take the loss and Bogarde him.

(You know, that's a REALLY great pun, now that I think about it :D)

I don't think you're being realistic with that statement. What kind of business acumen would that be for a club who already struggle to bring the very best players in? You'd be sending out the message that Chelsea is a potential footballers graveyard and would seriously damage your reputation amongst the elite.. 'go to Chelsea, have a disagreement and pay for it with your career?' I don't think so. At any instance it would be better to cut losses and let whoever wants to go, go that is how you future proof.

As shown already the very best targets don't care about money but rather prestige and reputation of the club tey are joining and if you ever wish to entice them to the Bridge the 'Bogarde' policy would be suicidal. Mourinho already says alot of players are scared to go to the Bridge for fear of a lack playing time..want to give them another reason not to go? FIne, ten go ahead and treat players like horse dung, that'd more then do the trick.

Obviously from a financial perspective Chelsea are untouchable but, you are a club who are on the up and are desperate to establish themselves and for that you better try and keep Camp Stamford ticketty boo! Becuase in the big game you are not big players. Real Madrid, AC Milan, Barca, Arse, Juve, Man U would get the player before you on name and prestige alone...and the only way that's going to change is when the elite players see you're a serious club and not one who treats 'the little guy' as a pawn and a plaything for Roman.

Duff could do you more damge stating discontent to the international media then he would by being sold to even a perceived rival in the same league. Bad words tend to stick around longer then good. The Bogarding policy would be the worst thing Chelsea could ever do. Players like to feel cherished, not infinitely replaceable and usually the bgger the star the bigger the ego will not tolerate being on the bench. If you want those guys..you better take a review, treat em like trash and they will trash your club.

[nicephoras]

I don't think you're being realistic with that statement. What kind of business acumen would that be for a club who already struggle to bring the very best players in? You'd be sending out the message that Chelsea is a potential footballers graveyard and would seriously damage your reputation amongst the elite.. 'go to Chelsea, have a disagreement and pay for it with your career?' I don't think so. At any instance it would be better to cut losses and let whoever wants to go, go that is how you future proof.

As shown already the very best targets don't care about money but rather prestige and reputation of the club tey are joining and if you ever wish to entice them to the Bridge the 'Bogarde' policy would be suicidal. Mourinho already says alot of players are scared to go to the Bridge for fear of a lack playing time..want to give them another reason not to go? FIne, ten go ahead and treat players like horse dung, that'd more then do the trick.

Obviously from a financial perspective Chelsea are untouchable but, you are a club who are on the up and are desperate to establish themselves and for that you better try and keep Camp Stamford ticketty boo! Becuase in the big game you are not big players. Real Madrid, AC Milan, Barca, Arse, Juve, Man U would get the player before you on name and prestige alone...and the only way that's going to change is when the elite players see you're a serious club and not one who treats 'the little guy' as a pawn and a plaything for Roman.

Duff could do you more damge stating discontent to the international media then he would by being sold to even a perceived rival in the same league. Bad words tend to stick around longer then good. The Bogarding policy would be the worst thing Chelsea could ever do. Players like to feel cherished, not infinitely replaceable and usually the bgger the star the bigger the ego will not tolerate being on the bench. If you want those guys..you better take a review, treat em like trash and they will trash your club.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Perhaps you weren't paying attention. Let me quote the relevant part of my post to you. The really key points are in bold.

The only way he would go to United is if he took Kenyon hostage at gunpoint, and forced him to sign.
Because if he demanded we sell him to you folks, we'd take the loss and Bogarde him.

Figured it out yet?

P.S. I'm having a nice laugh over the "players don't want to go to Chelsea". Seems like we got Carvalho instead of Real. Why? Because we gave Porto more money. So he didn't really have a choice in the matter. Your jealousy is showing again.

[yossarian]

Not that rumors on soccernet are that reliable but "the insider" seems to think that Duff is on his way to United.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=307846&cc=5901

[Dark Savante]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Perhaps you weren't paying attention. Let me quote the relevant part of my post to you. The really key points are in bold. .
And, that is rubbish. Duff would do you more harm sitting on the youth team bench telling the world about your dastardlyy club then he would being sold even to us. You're by no means establiished as a big club yet...and until you are you can't hardball any percieved star. The penance you would serve at this present time would be another 'up and comer' instead of an established member of the elite.


:
Figured it out yet?

I hope you're beginning to.


:
P.S. I'm having a nice laugh over the "players don't want to go to Chelsea". Seems like we got Carvalho instead of Real. Why? Because we gave Porto more money. So he didn't really have a choice in the matter. Your jealousy is showing again.
Yea and Mourinho buying a former team member/club had nothing to do with that right.... right? .....

You can't buy any of the established yet because they wont come. You couldn't have got Nesta from Milan or Henry or Vieira or Ronaldo or anyone else for that matter...they wont come until you have years at the top and create a legacy when Mourinho's Portuguese oil tap runs dry you will struggle to draw in the best of the best...and until you get a Shevchenko instead of a Drogba I can't see how you can dispute that.

You think Michael Owen would've gone to Chelsea when Real Madrid came calling? He'd rather sit on their bench then be a starter for you...the same would apply for near any other member of the top draft. If any of the clubs I mentioned had that cash pool at their disposal it would literally be frightening because players would go to them in their droves. Not the case for you, Bogarde Duff and don't sell him 'even to us' and see what happens. Depends on who you want coming thru your doors I suppose....

[johno]

P.S. I'm having a nice laugh over the "players don't want to go to Chelsea". Seems like we got Carvalho instead of Real. Why? Because we gave Porto more money. So he didn't really have a choice in the matter. Your jealousy is showing again.


I'm gonna stick up for Dark and say that he makes good, points... you of course also make good points.. however... am I wrong in saying Chelsea has signed not signed a superstar yet for all of their spending?

[Dark Savante]

Not that rumors on soccernet are that reliable but "the insider" seems to think that Duff is on his way to United.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=307846&cc=5901
Which would make sense for Chelsea's rep, if he wants to go there that is.

[Dark Savante]

One more thing. Bogarde Duff and watch the English media systematically destroy your club. They're itching for ammunition, give it to them and you're gonna be famous all over the world..for all the wrong reasons. Duff is not a Bogarde calibre player and as such he could never be treated that way without a bundle of controversy, besides which Bogarde was more than happy to collect a fat wage for nothing.. Duff would not do that, ever, and unless the Russian decides to have his family 'spoken to' Corleone style you cannot gag him.

[Acronym]

I think Duffer would love to come to manutd and get out of that hell hole. Big Irish contingent here would fit in great. I only see a few ex-pats and greedy types going to Chelski. I mean 24 milllion for Drogba? Missed two sitters at the weekend. Mourinho is dead cocky, the press are waiting for him to slip up. No pressure lad no pressure :D

[nicephoras]

And, that is rubbish. Duff would do you more harm sitting on the youth team bench telling the world about your dastardlyy club then he would being sold even to us.

ROFLMAO. Duff isn't a vocal fellow. He'd be sitting on the bench whining. OK. We'd announce far and wide we'd sell him to anyone not in the top 5 of the EPL. (OK, at the moment that does include you, but I'm being charitable.)

You're by no means establiished as a big club yet...and until you are you can't hardball any percieved star.

Tell that to Arsenal and Anelka.

The penance you would serve at this present time would be another 'up and comer' instead of an established member of the elite.

Fine by me. Duff was an "up and comer" too when we bought him.
And again, aside from Real Madrid, who buys these "elites"?

Yea and Mourinho buying a former team member/club had nothing to do with that right.... right? .....

But.....but.....we're not a big club! We can't macth the awesome power and you and Real! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Point being, if we have the money, we can get the talent.

You can't buy any of the established yet because they wont come. You couldn't have got Nesta from Milan or Henry or Vieira or Ronaldo or anyone else for that matter...they wont come until you have years at the top and create a legacy when Mourinho's Portuguese oil tap runs dry you will struggle to draw in the best of the best...and until you get a Shevchenko instead of a Drogba I can't see how you can dispute that.

YOU can't sign them either! Hello? Anyone following along? Over the past 3 years ONE "galactico" has changed adresses. And that was Ronaldinho. And guess what - he didn't want to go to United anyway! Milan won't sell Sheva or Nesta to us or to you. Arsenal won't sell Vieira to us, because we compete directly.

You think Michael Owen would've gone to Chelsea when Real Madrid came calling?

We wanted Michael Owen? :confused: Besides, you keep missing the point that none of the transfers that happen have been between rival clubs. Except for Figo and Real, but Luis had a buyout clause, which left Barca no options.

He'd rather sit on their bench then be a starter for you...the same would apply for near any other member of the top draft.

A) You know this because.......you're a telepath? Cool.
B) We weren't after Owen. And we came pretty damn close to getting Gerrard.
C) How do you know that applies to other talented players? Carvalho just came in as our third choice CB rather than be an automatic starter for Real.
D) For the last time, Owen wouldn't have been sold to an EPL club. How many big clubs in any league sell to direct competitors in the same league?

If any of the clubs I mentioned had that cash pool at their disposal it would literally be frightening because players would go to them in their droves.

You mean like the time you landed Veron?
Let the good times roll!

Not the case for you, Bogarde Duff and don't sell him 'even to us' and see what happens.

First, the only issue here isn't "only to you", but rather TO YOU. That's what the point was. You've gone on a bender concerning "big clubs" and "players don't want to go to you to start", yadda yadda, blah blah. Your jealousy at our ability to buy top talent is understandable, of course. Must hurt not being able to buy titles anymore and watching someone else do it. I know. I'm a Lazio fan.
The point is, we're not going to sell Duff to you. It is, of course, possible that we might, although unlikely to an insanely high degree. In which case it would be a move of staggering stupidity, and I don't think "stupid" is a word that often describes Mourinho. "Arrogant prick", sure. But not stupid.

Depends on who you want coming thru your doors I suppose....

According to you, we don't land top players anyway, so your point is moot. The transfer window closes in about a week, and I'll be glad this stupidity will come to an end. Or hopefully it'll come to an end tomorrow, when Duff plays for us on the left.

I know you don't like me for making fun of your playing Captain Ahab to Thierry Henry's Moby Dick. But really, a bit of objectivity would be nice, even if you are green all over.

[nicephoras]

Not that rumors on soccernet are that reliable but "the insider" seems to think that Duff is on his way to United.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=307846&cc=5901

They made fun of the rumor in the link.

[nicephoras]

One more thing. Bogarde Duff and watch the English media systematically destroy your club. They're itching for ammunition, give it to them and you're gonna be famous all over the world..for all the wrong reasons. Duff is not a Bogarde calibre player and as such he could never be treated that way without a bundle of controversy, besides which Bogarde was more than happy to collect a fat wage for nothing.. Duff would not do that, ever, and unless the Russian decides to have his family 'spoken to' Corleone style you cannot gag him.

Once again, another post full of assumptions on what Duff would do if we did something, with a nice stab at Roman's shady connections thrown in.
Are you railing, or making a coherent point? You can't do both.
As for the press destroying us - since when has the press liked us? We were chaired by Ken Bates for Chrissakes! :cool:

[nicephoras]

I think Duffer would love to come to manutd and get out of that hell hole. Big Irish contingent here would fit in great. I only see a few ex-pats and greedy types going to Chelski. I mean 24 milllion for Drogba? Missed two sitters at the weekend. Mourinho is dead cocky, the press are waiting for him to slip up. No pressure lad no pressure :D

1-0
Thanks for playing.