30 year old players

[ToffeeBlueNose]

From reading numerous threads on here, it appears a lot of fans are ageist against 30year old plus players.

20years ago I would have agreed but with the introduction of sports science, fitness nutrition and complete lack of hard men in the game, I personally don't think 30 is too old anymore.

I know a lot of fans think of resale value but for me if a class 30yr old is available that maybe just maybe could be the difference between trophies/CL qualification for me i'd happily take them because if they can elevate you to the next level they would pay for themselves and some.

what are peoples thoughts on this?

 

[RFUS]

The reason I'm against them is resale value.

Yes I'd love to think about success over finances, but that's just not something we can do.

Reselling players is how we survive.

 

[ToffeeBlueNose]

The reason I'm against them is resale value.

Yes I'd love to think about success over finances, but that's just not something we can do.

Reselling players is how we survive.

Yes, I totally understand where you are coming from but surely if they can take you to the next level, the finances from this would mean a healthier financial state and give us the ability to compete for younger class players.

 

[RFUS]

Yes, I totally understand where you are coming from but surely if they can take you to the next level, the finances from this would mean a healthier financial state and give us the ability to compete for younger class players.

I doubt a few 30 year olds will move us to the next level, mate.

I'm assuming that even if we were reckless, we still couldn't afford Zlatan and Pirlo.

 

[ToffeeBlueNose]

I doubt a few 30 year olds will move us to the next level, mate.

I'm assuming that even if we were reckless, we still couldn't afford Zlatan and Pirlo.

Yes true enough but there are some who even think Pienaar and Donovan are not worth the fee because of age and they clearly do take us to the next level. I know world class players are probably out of our reach that's why i said class/quality players as in better than what we have.

 

[LTblue]

The likes of Pienaar and Donovan are prime examples that players hit the wall nearer to 35 now rather the 30, and the more sports science improves, that number will mover closer and closer to 40. Buying players at the age of 30 will likely give you at least three years of peak football unless this player has a bad injury record, Pienaar and Donovan and dempsey don't.

 

[RFUS]

Yes true enough but there are some who even think Pienaar and Donovan are not worth the fee because of age and they clearly do take us to the next level. I know world class players are probably out of our reach that's why i said class/quality players as in better than what we have.

Well I'm going to be a hypocrite and say I'd make an exception for Pienaar.

Assuming that the fee is no more than £2m greater than the fee we received for him. I don't like it but we just play so, so much better with him.

Donovan I'm against, as he'd cost more and as pace is a part of his game I don't see him lasting as well as Pienaar. And even at their prime I still think Pienaar's a better player.

 

[ToffeeBlueNose]

The likes of Pienaar and Donovan are prime examples that players hit the wall nearer to 35 now rather the 30, and the more sports science improves, that number will mover closer and closer to 40. Buying players at the age of 30 will likely give you at least three years of peak football unless this player has a bad injury record, Pienaar and Donovan and dempsey don't.

This is what I think the age ceiling is getting higher all the time.

Well I'm going to be a hypocrite and say I'd make an exception for Pienaar.

Assuming that the fee is no more than £2m greater than the fee we received for him. I don't like it but we just play so, so much better with him.

Donovan I'm against, as he'd cost more and as pace is a part of his game I don't see him lasting as well as Pienaar. And even at their prime I still think Pienaar's a better player.

I think Donovan is an intelligent player too and them types usually tend to last longer anyway as they tend to become sitting playmakers. Donovan from what I can gather keeps himself extremely fit and is healthy living type so for me not a risk.

 

[RFUS]

This is what I think the age ceiling is getting higher all the time.



I think Donovan is an intelligent player too and them types usually tend to last longer anyway as they tend to become sitting playmakers. Donovan from what I can gather keeps himself extremely fit and is healthy living type so for me not a risk.

Well no I do think Landon could be quality for a good few more years, but I think between Pienaar and Donovan, the little South African would be a better bet. And I don't think a club in our position should be purchasing more than one player with no resale value for real dosh.

 

[Cena]

Football isnt like what it was in the 60s, players got to 30 and that was it really. Now it is so different. The modern player can realistically play at the highest level till their 36-38.

I have no problem with signing and playing lids in their 30s

 

[best little spaniard]

Old players dont last as long. Say a midfielder is at their peak until 32 or so, we signed Fellaini for £15 mil when he was 20, that's 12 years service at £1.25m a season. Not accounting for that fact we can probably sell him for a profit at any point up until he's about 28. If we were to sign Dempsey or Donovan for £5m, and get 3 top years out of them, that's £1.67m a season, with no resale value. Yes, they're cheaper, but I don't think it's worth it, with our finances you have to think long term, and you have to think resale value, as much as I hate it.

Edit: When I say at their peak, I mean their very, very best. It varies for different players I realise. Neville's been on the decline for years, but has still done a decent job, so it's not the be all and end all at 32.

 

[Cena]

Ahhhh, the modern day football fan - talking resale value

ISNT MODERN FOOTBALL BOSS

 

[best little spaniard]

I hate it mate. But we're not Chelsea or City

 

[ToffeeBlueNose]

Old players dont last as long. Say a midfielder is at their peak until 32 or so, we signed Fellaini for £15 mil when he was 20, that's 12 years service at £1.25m a season. Not accounting for that fact we can probably sell him for a profit at any point up until he's about 28. If we were to sign Dempsey or Donovan for £5m, and get 3 top years out of them, that's £1.67m a season, with no resale value. Yes, they're cheaper, but I don't think it's worth it, with our finances you have to think long term, and you have to think resale value, as much as I hate it.

Edit: When I say at their peak, I mean their very, very best. It varies for different players I realise. Neville's been on the decline for years, but has still done a decent job, so it's not the be all and end all at 32.

but this brings me to my original point again. what if said players were the difference between CL qualification and 7-16th place. If we were to maintain qualification to the CL for a couple of seasons and get to the group stage then we are on a whole new playing field with our finances.

 

[bluejock]

*orders Ronaldinho 10 shirt