2025/26 James Garner

[Neiler]

No players get guarantees, thats why I said about his confidence. if he's not getting the feeling that he is a big part of the project, why sign..
Plenty of clubs will jump at him.

Paulinha turned us down, he will again if spurs take advantage of his signing.

I agree with most things you say, but your looking to far into the future and ignoring the now.

Garner has been taken for granted for so long now that it always comes down to either moving him to RB or having to look into the future to justify why he isnt good enough.

Other than Pickford, Branthwaite, Illy and KDH.
Why hasn't every other players names been brought up as much.


Lose him out of the team and maybe people will finally wake up to his importance, or maybe not..

I honestly don’t think he starts for the clubs you mention mate Villa, Utd or Newcastle, they might sign him for sure given his contract situation, on a free and he would play the role of a squad utility also.

I don’t expect to sign Paulinha, but I expect similar interest in players of that calibre going forward and I feel that’s ok, if we have ambition to improve. It’s a moot point right now because obviously the window is shut and I wouldn’t expect movement in midfield until the summer, but I don’t expect us to build with Garner as a mainstay in central midfield in the medium to long term.

I don’t think anyone is saying he’s a bad player but I feel people will him to be better then he is. He’s fine, he’s not exceptional and certainly don’t think that we couldn’t recruit someone more capable in time.

If we are to compete we should be already planning for the transfer window in 2028 now, you should squad plan over a three year period in terms of planning and foresight - so you always need to look ahead.

I’m not holding an all or nothing view on Garner, if he gets injured at the weekend, we miss him hugely - right now. He’s a great sqaud option and long term I want him in the our squad, he’s a god honest pro. But is he the central midfielder to lead the club for the next decade, or even the next three season after this. No. In my opinion.

He will be a great utility squad option in my opinion.

 

[Jimmy Grimble]

This thread is confusing me. The Garner I have seen this season has been very good. He has clearly improved and if he maintains this form, we should be looking to cement him and KDH for the next few years, surely? The question then is, who else plays in that midfield.

 

[Swartzy]

If your looking at 2028 now, than your more than likely going to blow up before you get there. The next window is the most important and always will be..

Villa, Utd, Newcastle are leaps above us in pulling power at the moment.

We couldn't even attract Luiz who is now riding the relegation zone.