Mark Gower has left Swansea after his contract was terminated by mutual consent a month early.
The midfielder, 34, had made 145 appearances for the Swans after joining on a free transfer from Southend in 2008, and helped them win promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs in 2011.
But he has rarely figured for Michael Laudrup this season, and finished the campaign on loan at Championship side Charlton.
on bbc
That's got to be because he's got a new club lined up, as Swansea still have one match to play. I'd be happy to sign him, he was excellent in the PL in 2011/12.
To be fair he had hardly played during the season before he came to us. Age is an issue but he had 3 good years with Swansea in the Championship, followed by 20 games in the PL before last seasons' drought. I would have thought with the emerging talent in the development squad he fits the bill on a 12 month contract with an option for another 12 months depending on appearances and fitness.
Will be disappointed if he doesn't sign tbh. What I've seen of him he is tidy, keeps play moving and makes himself available and can pick a pass. If he was five years younger he wouldn't be coming to us. A yes please from me.
Was not impressed until the last game of the season where I felt he had a very good game. This shows what a bit of fitness does for you as he looked slimmer and sharper.
After a good pre-season and regular games I think he will improve next season.
I would be very pleased to see him sign, perhaps even disappointed if he doesn't.
Like Obika didn't see enough of him but would be happy to see him come in if Powell thinks he can improve us. Potentially be a more reliable creative player, something we don't get from Stephens and Green.
By coming to us I guess he put himself in the shop window, helped get us out of a bit of a hole and steadied the ship, I have no idea whether there are similar or better Prem players available on free transfers, who can do the same if not better job, in CP we trust.
Would be very happy for him to come in. As NLA says, not easy to come in cold and both he and the club will benefit from a full pre-season. I'd like us to get another year of Andy Hughes and see Stephens stay (I still like him a lot) as well. Those three with JJ, would give us a good mix in the CM positions.
Careful Mutley - if you question the God that is Gower you'll be labelled as an ignorant, illiterate idiot who doesn't understand how a 'supporter' should think.
There's no doubting Gower had a good game v the relegated Bristol, but take that performance out of the equation and his contribution to us has been mediocre. I didn't see him v Boro (which by all accounts was a positive), so I do appreciate the context of his rusty evolvement.
BUT... baring in mind that Jackson & Pritchard are nailed on starters, our run-in proved that Hughes also brought a team chemistry that can't be overlooked for the start of next season. Where does Gower fit into that Midfield equation? He'll also be 35yrs old in October and a Teddy Sheringham the man is not. How many squad calibre players are we prepared to carry?
I'd say too many people are looking at Gower with 'last game', end of season rose tinted spectacles. According to some on here I'm talking "utter crap", but if he signed for a Millwall or a Huddersfield next year instead of us, would you be worried? Would you think we've missed out on a season turning lynchpin?
Not every single person who signs for the club is brought in as a "season turning lynchpin". Some players are brought in to steady a ship of young people or to add to the squad and provide depth in an area we are currently lacking. You don't have to have these little sly belittlements like 'the relegated Bristol' instead of 'v Bristol'.
I'd personally like us to sign him. He had a good game on the last day regardless of who the opposition is. He should be willing to agree a relatively low wage as he's in search of a london-based club and cares about the playing rather than the money. He's been promoted before and don't see why his age should limit his contribution. Hughes has come in and done well on the pitch, but his experience and influence on the younger players seems to be quite big. I'd like to see what he's capable of, and if Powell played his last term then he's obviously no terrible player and at full fitness w/ a full preseason he could be even better. I trust CP's judgement.
Comments
After a good pre-season and regular games I think he will improve next season.
I would be very pleased to see him sign, perhaps even disappointed if he doesn't.
If we get him and he has a full pre season with us and gets in to the team I think he will do really well
I am biased but I hope he joins
Jury still out due to age but clearly talented and if affordable a good bit of experience to what more and more seems a younger squad.
"In nla we trust !"
There's no doubting Gower had a good game v the relegated Bristol, but take that performance out of the equation and his contribution to us has been mediocre. I didn't see him v Boro (which by all accounts was a positive), so I do appreciate the context of his rusty evolvement.
BUT... baring in mind that Jackson & Pritchard are nailed on starters, our run-in proved that Hughes also brought a team chemistry that can't be overlooked for the start of next season. Where does Gower fit into that Midfield equation? He'll also be 35yrs old in October and a Teddy Sheringham the man is not. How many squad calibre players are we prepared to carry?
I'd say too many people are looking at Gower with 'last game', end of season rose tinted spectacles.
According to some on here I'm talking "utter crap", but if he signed for a Millwall or a Huddersfield next year instead of us, would you be worried? Would you think we've missed out on a season turning lynchpin?
I'd personally like us to sign him. He had a good game on the last day regardless of who the opposition is. He should be willing to agree a relatively low wage as he's in search of a london-based club and cares about the playing rather than the money. He's been promoted before and don't see why his age should limit his contribution. Hughes has come in and done well on the pitch, but his experience and influence on the younger players seems to be quite big. I'd like to see what he's capable of, and if Powell played his last term then he's obviously no terrible player and at full fitness w/ a full preseason he could be even better. I trust CP's judgement.
Gower has already shown that he can pick a pass - a player that passes on the floor, will encourage the team to play to feet instead of hoofball.
Sure, Gower is 34 years old and missed most of this season.
But if CP thinks he is dependable and will add something to the team, that'll do for me.