Most liked posts in thread: Gareth Evans Returns

Can’t stand this don’t celebrate against your former team crap, it’s as false as sportsmen bending the knee and the NHS clap. He was buzzing to score in a Yorkshire derby against 2 teams going for promotion after getting stuck, he’s nothing to apologise for.

 

In the current climate are you seriously expecting a 'wow what a signing' signing?! Predicable negative response from you Fordy, then again dont know for sure what does excite you even you must see he is an improvement on what we currently have? It doesn't solve all the many issues the club has - but no one is saying it does, but positive news should be treated for what it is and pleased many on here are welcoming Gareth back and looking forward to seeing what he can do for the team

 

Fordy, given the present circumstances, salary cap et al, all Lg 2 clubs are in the same boat. To expect exciting wham bang signings is unrealistic. It's sadly, unfortunately, a time of pragmatism for clubs at our level. I welcome Evans because he's a good, hard working solid pro who has leadership qualities - and the latter is what we've been lacking for a good long while. And on that, after watching the ifollow, I liked the edge and toughness Sutton had about him today. Midfield qualities we've been missing.

 

Don’t Worry if we’d have lost out to Bolton for him he’d be world class...

 

Thoughts from a Portsmouth fan I work with:

He’s a Pompey legend, has had a really good spell with us but just isn't a regular starter any more. Really sad to see him go but also pleased for him that he'll be starting regularly. He's versatile, an excellent senior pro and is well respected at the club, and takes a mean penalty. He’ll definitely be missed in our dressing room.

 

I genuinely think this is a great signing. Older and wiser, and will be great in League 2, we gotta remember we aren’t anywhere near a top League 1 club anymore. Captain material and a bit of a shithouse, exactly the type of player we’re crying out for.

 

A signing you're not overly excited by... but realize he's a player who can improve the team? What is it exactly that you want? For me, I'm really happy about signing a player who can improve the team, and I think he will.And re retirement mindset, for goodness sake Evans is 32. Hardly in the market for a zimmer frame. A certain Gary Jones came to VP a couple of years older and well...the rest is history.

 

Looking at SM comments in today T&A he brought Evans back to play up front even though he has been playing deeper for a number of years.


“When I looked at bringing Gareth Evans in, I remember him as more of a striker for us. The more I have seen him in training, he is probably not the one who can play up there, although I have no doubts that he can.

“But he is maybe better coming from a deeper lying role, maybe as a 10 or an attacking midfielder or off one of the sides.“

I know SM likes to use his iPad to watch videos of players but maybe his video collection needs updating with things from the past few seasons rather than footage from 9 years ago

 

We need leaders that's for sure and Evans will give us that. The good thing is he can play several roles so is versatility will be put to good use.

 

I don't remember the slagging off. He admitted he had a difficult time here and the fans didn't like him, but I don't think he slagged us off. Either way, 9 years has passed, its water under a bridge.

 

I can’t believe these negative comments. He’s a solid upper league one player. Proven! What does everyone expect? Great signing at this level and I expect fans at other league 2 clubs will be envious.

 

Oh yes we will!!!!

 

Very good signing. The fact some people think otherwise is baffling

 

I’d be delighted with those 2.

 

Yeah a player that's been in around the league one play offs the last couple of years, disgraceful.....

 

Interesting, I didn't realise he'd featured as often as he had at right back for Portsmouth.

Our training facilities are fine. There's a question mark over whether not owning our own, as an asset, is problematic and a barrier for ongoing improvement in the training ground, but its a long way down the pecking order of what we need to focus on as a club. the pitches are quality, there's a gym, a pool, a canteen. What more do you really want as a League 2 (or even League 1) club?

 

Agreed this is why I’ve not understood the argument on here that we desperately need them. If we got promoted to the PL say only 10% of the TV money would buy us far better facilities than we have now or could hope to afford now, all whilst not having a big impact on playing budget. Now on the other hand it could mean our squad has to get even weaker. I’d much rather spend extra on quality coaching and scouting.