The fact is that Gunter is that, as good as Gunter is, at 31 and with over 600 appearances for club and country, he has a lot of miles on the clock and we do need a viable alternative to him. Last season he only actually played 21 games and in Matthews we have someone who will not weaken the side should Gunter need to be rested or is injured. Unlike our current options who are either inexperienced or having to play out of position.
It’s just gets better and better. Hopefully, at 28, Matthew’s is the long term option (despite only a 1 year contract, likely to be related to the salary cap this year) and can learn even more from playing with Gunter week in week out. Now just a striker or 1-0 wins every game until Jan.
I do get the feeling though that for some reason other clubs don't rate Matthews as much as we do, for some reason. He was a free agent when we signed him a year ago, and has been unattached for several months now, and hasn't been linked with any other clubs either. Yes we tick several boxes for him, but I'm surprised that he's still available, especially after we signed Gunter instead of him 3 weeks ago
What a great signing! I can see definitely see Gunter, Inniss, and Famewo in a back three with Matthews and Maatsen/Doughty as wing backs. And as others have said, just provides real strength in depth for the inevitable injuries, suspensions and fatigue. I'm guessing there is a serious bonus for promotion in the contract and Matthews can see there's a reasonable chance of achieving that now.
Bowyer has learnt so much since we where last in league 1. We now have strength and depth in every position. I expect us to challenge for top 2 with the squad we have.
It’s just gets better and better. Hopefully, at 28, Matthew’s is the long term option (despite only a 1 year contract, likely to be related to the salary cap this year) and can learn even more from playing with Gunter week in week out. Now just a striker or 1-0 wins every game until Jan.
Bowyer has learnt so much since we where last in league 1. We now have strength and depth in every position. I expect us to challenge for top 2 with the squad we have.
Good news but wonder if Matthews is thinking about changing his agent who no doubt told him he could get him a Championship team on 5 times his money at Charlton. That was good advice.
Bowyer has learnt so much since we where last in league 1. We now have strength and depth in every position. I expect us to challenge for top 2 with the squad we have.
Top six will be a fantastic achievement.
Why not top 2. Are other teams so much better than we are ?
The irony is that he was a Welsh international but hasn't played for a couple of years and the very person that has been a fixture in his position is the one that he will now be understudy to with us.
Bowyer has learnt so much since we where last in league 1. We now have strength and depth in every position. I expect us to challenge for top 2 with the squad we have.
Top six will be a fantastic achievement.
Why not top 2. Are other teams so much better than we are ?
Great signing. Genuinely surprised that he didn't get a gig in the championship but their loss is our gain. I wonder if he's got a favourable (to him) release clause as part of his contract.
The fact is that Gunter is that, as good as Gunter is, at 31 and with over 600 appearances for club and country, he has a lot of miles on the clock and we do need a viable alternative to him. Last season he only actually played 21 games and in Matthews we have someone who will not weaken the side should Gunter need to be rested or is injured. Unlike our current options who are either inexperienced or having to play out of position.
Gunter only played 21 games last season because the manager didnt play him. He wasn't injured or unfit & played for Wales during that time.
Bowyer has learnt so much since we where last in league 1. We now have strength and depth in every position. I expect us to challenge for top 2 with the squad we have.
Top six will be a fantastic achievement.
I would say top two would be a fantastic achievement. Top six is the expectation.
What is outstanding is how Gallen and Bows have managed to put a squad together that makes this the case.
Comments
How Green Is Our Valley.
Can Gunter deputise at right centre back if needed?
I do get the feeling though that for some reason other clubs don't rate Matthews as much as we do, for some reason. He was a free agent when we signed him a year ago, and has been unattached for several months now, and hasn't been linked with any other clubs either. Yes we tick several boxes for him, but I'm surprised that he's still available, especially after we signed Gunter instead of him 3 weeks ago
What is outstanding is how Gallen and Bows have managed to put a squad together that makes this the case.