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Jeff Shi's clammy hands.
31 Plays3 days ago
The ultimate wildcard episode.
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Transcript
Introduction and Greetings
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everybody, it's Will from GSP and Daily Wolves and today I'm joined by Chris. Chris, hello.
00:00:15
Chris
Hello, everyone. Welcome in. Happy Wednesday. I'm living the dream so much I can't talk properly.
00:00:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and ah Nathan. Nathan's also joining us. Nathan, how are we?
00:00:25
Nathan
And very well, thanks Will. Hello everyone, I hope you keep them well. Half way through the week already. Time flies when you're having fun.
00:00:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah well I mean speak of time flying on a personal level this is feels like it's been forever guys I can't remember the last time I was able to hop on with you guys and i you know what I nearly said complain about wolves but no we've got over that we've got over that.
Wild Card Wednesday and Newcastle Pre-match Discussion
00:00:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:00:50
Chris
Yeah, we missed you.
00:00:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
so
00:00:51
Chris
Well, i sorry. I almost forgot your name when I first saw you on the call, but we've got you again. It's okay.
00:00:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, it's it's good to be back. It's good to be back. But yeah, so today, obviously, Wild Card Wednesday, but we'll also be taking a look at our game later to tonight, which will be against Newcastle. um But before we get to that, Vitor Pavera has done his pre-match first conference and Chris, I believe you ah you've been tuned in and you have you have some news for us.
00:01:23
Chris
Yeah, I mean, I'm sure there are many out there. How many people, um um I'm not the only one that watches all the press conferences, right? Because I watch pretty much all of them as much as I can. um Will's pulling a ah surprise face on me. But so anyway, I haven't got through the whole thing yet because of life. But the most important thing we were really wanted to find out was about injury
Injury Updates and Squad News
00:01:44
Chris
updates. And it was one of the first things they discussed. Sommato apparently will be back in the squad for the game, as will Konya.
00:01:53
Chris
Now, because of obviously, yes, he had the ban, but he was actually has been carrying an injury as well.
00:01:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:58
Chris
Coinciding with that, we saw him come off early in his last game. So ah he did say, however, obviously they'd have to manage minutes and they've come back for an injury, might not potentially, you know, do the full game.
00:02:10
Chris
They've got to be careful, but having Sumedo and Konya back in, that's a, that's a big, that's a big, big plus.
00:02:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
um can I add to that if you'll allow me because I've also read I didn't watch the press conference unlike you so I suppose this is a some somewhat less sort of verified but I've seen that um I just keep up with it on Twitter you know
00:02:30
Chris
Cheating.
00:02:34
Chris
ah The best place for news.
00:02:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I've seen that Lumina and Craig Dawson are also confirmed to be in the squad and available to travel up to Newcastle which you know I suppose having us sent a half back.
00:02:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
will will certainly certainly help and I just want to go off on a little tangent here um because I've not recorded with you guys since the whole sort of lamina situation has come about and you know you know I've got a soft spot for him but I just I don't like it I just feel really sort of you know the fact that he seems to be going or at least he's been given that ultimatum to decide on what he's doing
00:03:22
Nathan
I was gonna say, I was gonna say whether his recovery from from injury or illness is is coincided with also, I don't know if that's talks breaking down or like it it all seemed a little bit fishy when they started saying I had a little bit of an illness and he was still posting like the pre-match, you know, the pre-match like pictures that the players have on their stories and stuff. He was still posting those and then shortly afterwards it was always got a bit of illness or whatever and obviously we want to believe him and and like you Will, I am ah do have a bit of
Mario Lamina's Season and Past Incidents
00:03:54
Nathan
a soft spot for him but ever since he's started throwing hands at Jared Bowen it's all started to slip and slide downhill hasn't it?
00:04:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah i just think this season it's not it's not been my mario and i want my mario back because it's just such a like a completely different player in terms of attitude and an actual like you know form as well this season and i don't know i don't know what you put that down to but nevertheless he's um he's traveling with squad up north tomorrow uh today sorry um
00:04:28
Chris
Yeah, no, you're you're right. And that was, yeah, one of the other names I would have mentioned. But like you say, I think less, what's the word I'm looking for? Less urgent than the likes of Sumedo and Kunya.
00:04:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:39
Chris
Cause I think he'll be on the, like, I think he'll be on the, regardless of injury, regardless of sickness, whatever.
00:04:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:43
Chris
I think we've, we've discussed the midfield pairing recently a lot.
00:04:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:47
Chris
And I think he'd be back on the bench regardless of his fitness state right now. Um, not just with everything that's going on, just given the way Pereira seems to pick that, that holding too.
00:04:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:04:57
Chris
I think it's he's got to earn that spot.
Ticket Sales and Attendance Issues
00:05:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah no 100% and rightly so really but yeah um obviously as as we mentioned today is our wildcard episode and just before we get on with it i want to know the curveball at u2 and the listeners just another thing i want to discuss which is The fact that our Arsenal game coming up at home has gone to general sale again.
00:05:28
Chris
Hmm.
00:05:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that's another game now.
00:05:29
Chris
Hmm.
00:05:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you just know that, you know, you rock up to Molyneux or what have you.
00:05:35
Chris
Hmm.
00:05:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's going to be loads of empty seats, despite the fact that it's Arsenal. All those seats are going to be filled with Arsenal fans. And it's just something that's just annoyed me. It's just really annoyed me.
00:05:48
Chris
Yeah, I mean, obviously the, the, there was, we all know about the season ticket price hikes and the general admission prices anyway, going up in the summer, you couple that with the form for, despite the improvement in the last couple of weeks with the form, the first half of the season, and it is just a killing combination on attendance.
00:06:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:06
Chris
So, um, yeah.
00:06:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:07
Chris
And even when we're playing well, there's a lot of people priced out of seats. It's a tough time. I mean, it's a tough time just to to live in anywhere in the world, not just the UK in terms of the cost of living.
00:06:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:19
Chris
So I mean, I'm not to bring the podcast down, but you know, it's not, it's not surprising. And not that, but that's why we all had the massive complaints, right? Where everyone was causing such a fuss. in the summer I've met people this season myself who didn't renew their season tickets because they physically couldn't afford to do so ah because it has been pushed up so high and then you look at the level of football we've been getting for that that price and it's just yeah it's a bad combination so not not to put a dampener on things but it's frustrating
00:06:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah
00:06:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:06:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, yeah, and I did want to clarify, I wasn't blaming anyone for not going. You know, I certainly wasn't blaming the fans. The only person I was blaming was, of course, Mr. She.
Amusing Encounters and Stories
00:06:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'm sure, I'm sure he's listening in.
00:06:59
Chris
Yeah, I got that.
00:07:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm sure he's listening to this, he's gonna get
00:07:04
Chris
But don't forget that, that...
00:07:04
Nathan
Yeah, yeah, he's ah he's ah he's a big fan. He's a big fan after all the slaughtering we've done over the past few months.
00:07:07
Chris
Yeah.
00:07:10
Chris
Yeah, I mean, let's not forget that...
00:07:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
and so I told you about the time I met him and, sorry, Chris, go on.
00:07:13
Chris
I was gonna say, let's not forget that Freezy's promised us for next season, right? Because that's that's super important.
00:07:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
or I should think so as well, but I was just about to say, I did say about when I met him in the toilets, the ones.
00:07:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I assume I told you that. I met him in the box, the ones in New Street Station in Birmingham.
00:07:31
Chris
Nathan and I both frowned for anyone listening who was like, what?
00:07:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
I can't believe I'm not holding this.
00:07:34
Chris
No, you definitely haven't told us this story.
00:07:37
Nathan
Willa just has a story for meeting pretty much everyone related with the wolves and it's always a little bit left field ah But you've managed to Trump at this time
00:07:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
i know I know which one. I know which one you're getting out there Nathan, I'll come to that after if you want. But no, I just, I met him in the toilets, I think this was in the Bruno large area, and I was stood at the UI and all, and I was looking, I wasn't looking, but I was looking. Do you know, do you know what I mean though? And sort of at the corner of my house, I was like, that's Jeff, she, that is him. But obviously, you know, I don't know about you guys, but I didn't feel too comfortable just stood there watching him wee.
00:08:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Um,
00:08:16
Nathan
had you had any beers before this by any chance is it is it is the off chance that it just happened to be maybe ah another person who resembled Jeff she no can I get a selfie mate any chance for a selfie
00:08:18
Chris
ah
00:08:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
no, no, no, no, it was definitely Jeff. She, and I do have photographic evidence to prove it.
00:08:32
Chris
in the toilet while still happening.
00:08:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, no, no, no, no.
00:08:35
Chris
Jeff just hold still would you? just all Just hold still.
00:08:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Um,
00:08:40
Chris
This is going to like going back to that story about Nunes at Manchester City. You're the next one that's going to have their phone taking off them in the toilet.
00:08:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
though it was outside at this point i you know i'd wash my hands and um i saw them we sort of you know we timed it well and um we were walking out together with jeff and he sort of he didn't say anything to me he said like hello but he looked confused slash scared slash sort of weirded out um
00:09:11
Nathan
was that was this Was this after you've taken a picture of him in the toilet then?
00:09:12
Chris
Well, you probably am.
00:09:14
Nathan
I mean, you would be, wouldn't you?
00:09:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
this this this was sort of during uh no and i just said i just said um jeff is it is it you when he sort of initially looks at me he's like yeah yeah and this was this was um i think just at the start of the bruno large era so you know we had no reason to complain as such at this point um
00:09:18
Chris
Right.
00:09:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know I suppose it was it was sort of down into the last noon or season but at that point you know overall things were looking you know good for us and still okay and I so sort of um I think I might have thanked him for for getting us promoted or something I can't remember but point is I shook his hand and his hand was so sort of limp and clammy and weak that it was like
00:10:05
Nathan
So had had he washed his hands or or did he rush out trying to escape you and then you ran after him?
00:10:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't either way either way his palm was sort of just yeah limp and ever since then you know i it should have it should have been a sign to me of things to come because that's not a man who's leading anyone let alone a whole football club.
00:10:21
Chris
Wow.
00:10:25
Chris
this is a This is what we came here for today, guys.
00:10:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Sorry I've been gone a while look ah Nathan I'll leave the Gibbs White and Ann Summers story for for my next episode then.
00:10:28
Chris
This is it.
00:10:29
Nathan
It's the insider knowledge.
00:10:31
Chris
Yeah.
00:10:37
Chris
What I will say, just to try and top that even further, as we are on Wild Card Wednesday, we might as well just, we've heard toilet stories.
00:10:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, go for it.
00:10:44
Chris
I'm just going to take that to another hole. I'm going to take this Wild Card Wednesday to a hole at a level. So in the news today, breaking news people, Lazio, so we're talking not talking UK football here, Lazio, Lazio Falconer sacked for sharing explicit photos of prosthetic penis.
00:10:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, yeah.
00:11:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm. Hmm.
00:11:03
Chris
This is the breaking headline on BBC Sports News. Italian club Laziof sacked a man responsible for handling the club's eagle mascot after he shared videos online of his own prosthetic penis.
00:11:15
Chris
Farqana Juan Bernabe has handled the eagle named Olympia since the 2010-11 season and flies the bird over the Serie A club's Stadio Olympico before matches. However, Lazio, whose crest is emblazoned with an eagle, have parted waves with Bernabe after he's shared images and videos online of his penis on his social media after undergoing implant surgery.
00:11:35
Chris
I mean, basically, this is a man who's very proud to have had his implant surgery and wants to show it off to the world. Yep.
00:11:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
that I've got a few questions Chris which I'm not I'm not sure you'll have the answers to you but you know um when you say implant surgery was that purely cosmetic do we know were there health reasons behind this?
00:11:45
Chris
Go on.
00:11:49
Chris
I can make some up. It's fine. I'm very good at this.
00:12:02
Chris
So whilst it isn't, like you like you said, it's not specific to that, he does say, um he Burnaby defended his decision to publish the videos, telling Radio Station, Radio24, he was trying to bring awareness to the operation and shared it on his private social media, editing that nudityity nudity is normal, I grew up in an open-minded naturist family.
00:12:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
let's with you.
00:12:25
Chris
So take of that what you will but so Lazio decided that that was that was the end of the line for the eagle yep
00:12:33
Nathan
Look, I just want to say, I feel sorry for anyone who stumbled across the sports and entertainment section on the podcasts, on Spotify or Apple podcasts, and they've just thought, oh, I want to hear about ah the wolves at the minute and find out how they're getting on.
00:12:48
Nathan
A wildcard episode, it sounds sounds like a bit of fun to listen to on the way into work.
00:12:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
I like it. Yeah. Yeah.
00:12:53
Nathan
And them yeah, interesting topics, I guess.
00:12:55
Chris
Hey, breaking sports news. I'm sorry, but this is breaking sports news.
00:12:59
Nathan
We're at the cutting edge of it, we are.
00:13:00
Chris
Yeah. Lastly, lastly, the Syria club added, they were aware of the shared pain that the loss of the eagle will cause to fans for the upcoming home matches, but added, but well, yeah, because he's owned by, it's not their eagle.
00:13:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
But they get rid of the eagle as well.
00:13:12
Chris
It's his eagle. So they've parted company with him. Therefore the eagle goes with him.
00:13:16
Nathan
It'll be a pigeon now.
00:13:18
Chris
Just wait. So here we go. ah Shared pain that the loss of the eagle will cause to fans for upcoming home matches, but added it was impossible to associate a historical symbol with such an individual. So they have parted ways with the eagle.
00:13:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think I don't think he should have been sacked. I
00:13:39
Nathan
The eagle or the guy?
00:13:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know what I'm gonna say the guy because just think you know how much of us unless unless he is like genuinely a bit of a cool hero cool icon in that world because I would imagine that he could just be any sort of bloke you know people come to see the eagle not him you know what I mean why isn't he
00:13:44
Chris
Oh, bold.
00:14:03
Chris
It true. True. but Lastly, before we get onto the, the wall's news, sorry, just to caveat that if anyone who out there wants to look at the article, I thoroughly recommend you do, if only because the picture that the BBC sport website have chosen to put alongside the article, considering the, considering the nature of the topic is a man looking like he clearly loves his eagle because he's there with like his nose to nose on the beak looking all affectionate.
00:14:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Where's this going?
00:14:27
Chris
When, you know, I dunno, it just adds an extra, extra elements of juice to the story.
00:14:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Guys, Chris is just sharing.
00:14:30
Nathan
See, ah when i when when you first started telling the story, Chris, I thought you were saying he was dressed up as an eagle.
00:14:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Go on, Nathan.
00:14:37
Nathan
I didn't realize it was an actual eagle.
00:14:40
Chris
Yeah, no, an actual eagle.
00:14:42
Nathan
I've, yeah.
00:14:42
Chris
That's why I said that he's a falconer. He flies the eagle. It's in the words, falconer, Juan Bernabe.
00:14:47
Nathan
Right, fair enough. my ah I need to do my research on vocab here.
00:14:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah keep keep keep up nat and
00:14:52
Chris
I even said it flies over the stadium, not a man in a suit.
00:14:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
goodness
00:14:54
Nathan
Yeah.
00:14:56
Nathan
Well, metaphorical way, you know, he really...
00:14:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
but then
00:15:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Probably weigh him down if you tried that now. um Anyway, anyway, I'm just going to move on.
00:15:06
Chris
I'm done.
00:15:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
hi So here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. Zonecaster came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered officially.
Endorsement of Zencastr
00:15:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
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00:15:33
Chris
If this is my final podcast appearance, it's been a great ride, everyone. Just going to say that. Thank you very much.
00:15:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's what the falconer said. ah Anyway, anyway, will i we'll move on shall we? We'll move on because I feel like we are really pushing the limits of the term wild card episode.
00:15:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah um but yeah so that being said for today's episode we've all got our thinking caps on because i saw a tweet earlier that i thought would be good for us to run with as the theme of this um podcast um which is that with the season halfway through reply with um following players from from your club only and then it then gives it a list of players or types of players that you've got to decide on who is who so the list goes the best player worst player best signing worst signing most improved player most underwhelming player and the biggest surprise so we are uh yeah we've put our sort of thinking caps on um put our heads together and i assume guys we've we've all got our sort of you know or at least
00:16:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
vague ideas of who is going to be who.
Best Player for Wolves This Season
00:16:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And I'll start off on a nice and easy one, which will be the best player.
00:16:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
So who do you think has been the best player for Wolves this season? ah Nathan, I'll go to you first.
00:17:03
Chris
Nathan. Yes.
00:17:05
Nathan
um To be honest, this is the easiest one, right?
00:17:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:17:10
Nathan
Surely. I mean, obviously it's Koonya for best player.
00:17:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:17:14
Nathan
um It was a toss-up between him and Tong King in my head, but I think Koonya just edges it, to be fair.
00:17:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:17:20
Nathan
um But yeah, easy one.
00:17:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, um Chris, I take it you agree.
00:17:27
Chris
Yeah, I almost tried to play like that game of just picking. It almost was like a game where you should cross him off the list and pick the next one, if that makes sense, because it's so obvious.
00:17:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:38
Chris
um But yeah, I think despite the fact that there has been a couple of games where he's annoyed me, yeah overall he's been fantastic for us. The stats don't lie. So yeah, it's got to be Konya.
00:17:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah well I agree with obviously both of you as Nathan said for me it was a toss-up between um him and Dan Bentley but you know um and that leads us nicely on.
00:18:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
to what I think, I don't know if this is the easiest one, it's easiest for me, um which is the worst player.
Debate on Wolves' Worst Player
00:18:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously we want to support the lads, but for me, if I ever see John Rickner Bellagarde in a wolves top again, I'm gonna go and say, he's very close second, but he's the one I've gone with because it just really frustrates me. I don't know if it's his fault or not, but it's just not working out.
00:18:34
Nathan
See, the difficulty with this one is, do you go for players that have, is it the worst player out of those that have played a lot? Or is it the worst player overall, even though they may have played only a handful of games?
00:18:45
Nathan
It's a difficult one, isn't it? Cause I, look,
00:18:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nathan, Nathan, it's a wild card. you know
00:18:51
Nathan
I'm going to, I would throw my hat in for Sarabia.
00:18:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, Chris isn't happy.
00:18:55
Nathan
Cause I, I, I think he, hit his, his effect on games this season has been nil.
00:18:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Chris isn't happy. yeah That's true, but I think
00:19:05
Nathan
compared to Belegard. Like, if we look at stats, I would go, you know, Belegard still would beat him, which is saying something.
00:19:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh yeah but I just think that's purely because he's played more. I like, I'm sort of, Bellegarde just, at least Sarabia you didn't know can produce a class three ball or you know a little moment.
00:19:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
i'm I'm not saying that he has Nathan but Bellegarde scored a goal against Forrest which is the only thing I think he's ever done in his football and career by the looks of things.
00:19:30
Nathan
Yeah.
00:19:37
Chris
He got that in the cross for one of Sredlarson's goals. That's about it.
00:19:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah we put a ball in the box you know mean you know
00:19:43
Chris
And I'm just saying, yeah, yeah I'm being statistically, hey, I love Sarabia, so I'm just, but I'm here defending both.
00:19:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:19:48
Chris
um I do think, I get why you asked Nathan about the the ah caveats on the rules, because I feel like Sarabia has been injured for a lot of this season so far, actually, and got very little time under Gary O'Neill.
00:20:00
Chris
And I've been meaning to say in the pods coming just as an aside to this, I'm actually curious now he's fit again.
00:20:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh he put a ball in the box.
00:20:07
Chris
if with the whatever time he's got left with us how and when Vittle decides to use him because he's really that that coming on against Bristol City was that his first appearance under Vittle or did he come in against Nottingham Forest like I'm trying to remember back but
00:20:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you know what I mean?
00:20:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he he came on, him and Lamina came on against Forrest and I'll be honest, I might as well have got my boots and gone on as well.
00:20:26
Chris
Okay. But both of them have been quite late, late appearances, haven't they? I know the city one was, um and he's literally been recovering from an injury that's kept him out for the past, what, two, three months.
00:20:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:20:38
Chris
um So I'm just curious, and I'm taking this away from the ah thing, but I am very curious to see if he's given any use more than Gary Nill used him in terms of it all.
00:20:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
with that being said Chris um I'm going to I'm gonna push you for an answer here because I know you are sort of I'd say you're probably the not just the most optimistic but the the kindest to our players out of the three of us maybe maybe that's wrong ah so I apologize Nathan if you're hard done by but yes so I'm interested to see who you would say has been the worst so far
00:20:51
Chris
Mm-hmm.
00:21:09
Nathan
I think mean that's a fair statement.
00:21:16
Chris
Man. there's a few there is like Nathan said there's a there's different ways to look at it as well and also um also just on and off the pitch like as it you know in terms of the whole everything they bring um i i'm sure there's a bunch of people out there who probably swing screaming huang hi chan right now i get that and i'm pretty sure we haven't heard wills yet but maybe that's going to be it
00:21:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yes I was gonna say yeah
00:21:39
Chris
And there's a part of me that's tempted to say Sam Johnston just because I don't think he's filled me with any great joy, but that is me being mean. However, I'm going to, again, throwing fuel on the fire for worst player this season so far.
00:22:00
Chris
I'm going to say Lemina. I'm going to say Mario Lemina.
00:22:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
you keep his name out of your mouth no yeah i can understand it i can understand it i mean his performance gets forest when he came off ah came on sorry was he just looked completely not arsed and and that's why i feel disappointed i feel really disappointed because i
00:22:04
Nathan
oh
00:22:07
Chris
Think back to the first half of this season and think back to his performances.
00:22:14
Nathan
ah
00:22:24
Chris
and and
00:22:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
You're better than that Mario, do you know what I mean? But he hasn't been, so I do get your point Chris.
00:22:36
Chris
and And before I shift to Nathan on that, the, you know, it's everything, like I said, the emotion, the tears, the fighting, the pushing, like everything.
00:22:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:44
Chris
And then, no, no, hang on, hear me out. But then, you know, he's given away sloppy passes all season, like put ourselves in jeopardy in the back, just constantly.
00:22:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:22:53
Chris
He, like you said, he's not the Mario. He was, he's not the Mario that he was. And I want that guy back.
00:22:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sorry, Nathan, just to jump in again before you. To be honest, Chris, I think he sort of lasted a lot longer than I would have done in terms of not, um you know, squaring up to Sean Demme or sort of telling Tottie to piss off or whatever.
00:23:15
Chris
Mm-hmm.
00:23:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Can I say that on the podcast? I said it now, so we're going to keep rolling.
00:23:18
Chris
You've said it now, it's done. It's done.
00:23:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:23:20
Chris
Today's a wild card. Go with it. Yes, Nathan, you've been waiting.
00:23:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
so Apologies, guys, but yeah, Nathan, sorry.
00:23:25
Nathan
I think when when, look, I love Mario Lamina and I do think he's, at his best, he's been fantastic in a wolf shirt. Absolutely.
00:23:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:23:34
Nathan
And this season he has been below par.
00:23:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:23:37
Nathan
i I do think he's still shown moments of quality. Maybe that's me having a soft spot and focusing in on those. But I would agree that anyone who goes trying to fight other players once the final whistle's gone and is the captain, just what being a captain of Wolves represents, I think you could argue that that alone would pull him up for worst player. However, if we go along that narrative, then we've also got someone who's nicked, someone's goggles off their head.
00:24:09
Nathan
Literally, as they're having a chat, that's our mate Cunha, who's going to rip someone's glasses off.
00:24:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes what Yeah,
00:24:14
Nathan
We've also got Ryan 8 Nori, who's gone swinging for people.
00:24:14
Chris
Mm-hmm.
00:24:16
Nathan
So, you know, if we go down that road, we'd probably bring other players into it. You definitely aren't our worst players on the pitch.
00:24:22
Chris
True. But then you counter that with, you mentioned, some of you mentioned stats previously, Kunya's already got how many goals and assists and like, you know, and then yeah, and eight Nori's what, four goals now and have like, he's, you know.
00:24:29
Nathan
Oh, yeah, yeah, no, no, I agree on the pitch.
00:24:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know
00:24:31
Nathan
Yeah, yeah, I agree. I agree.
00:24:36
Nathan
Yeah.
00:24:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
i I'm gonna go out on a whim and say that I kinda liked it, that he just started having a go You've got to have a bit of edge. You've got to have a bit of edge. Whether you're captain or not, I like it.
00:24:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm not saying it's good, but you know, look, you've got to do something.
00:24:49
Chris
That's not edge, it was a tantrum. Let's get that straight.
00:24:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
You've got to do something. And it was too late to do anything on the pitch. um Anyway, anyway. um We're going to tweak those answers slightly by narrowing down the options. So I'm going to ask for your um best signing.
Discussion on Best Signing for Wolves
00:25:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Who you think has been the best signing this this year. I've got one in in my head. so To me it's between two players.
00:25:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I don't know if you guys want me to go first or if you've got these already. Come on then, i I'll lead the way. And for me, it will be a young Rodrigo Gomez. ah i just think he's I just think he's, you know, although he's not had the minutes as such, I've really been impressed with him. And more so, I mean, Chris, you spoke about the attitude for the worst player.
00:25:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
I really like his attitude as a new player, as a young kid coming into the league. and i you know the The signs are all there, they're all positive and I really hope he can continue to kick on with us and you know develop over the next season or two because um yeah I just i'd just like the look of him.
00:26:09
Chris
Yeah, no, I think that's fair. I think that's totally fair. um I've got more thoughts to expand on that, but Nathan, have you got yours?
00:26:17
Nathan
Best signing for me, it's so clear, it might be because I also play this position on the pitch, but Andre, I think, is absolutely, I think he's mustered.
00:26:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ah, yeah.
00:26:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:30
Nathan
I haven't seen him drop an absolute stinker yet, and considering the games he's been involved in, that's outstanding in itself. You hardly see a misplace at pass, he seems to always be there recovering when other people have slipped up, and just as,
00:26:46
Nathan
Yeah, Brazilian international, his standards are so high, I mean, yeah.
00:26:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah but gary didn't like him because he can't speak english just put that
00:26:58
Chris
Yeah, it's kind of true. um I think, yeah, what's interesting, if we'd had this question, like what, three even just three weeks ago, then Rodrigo Gomez that we'll chose would probably not be in the discussion.
00:27:05
Nathan
True.
00:27:13
Chris
Because under Gary O'Neill's reign, we were told that he was not for now, he's not ready, not Premier League ready, but but all this kind of stuff. And literally, it's only in them in that literally this Christmas season, the end of it all, that he's had chances to to show what he can do on both wings, um you know, both in defense and attack. So I think that's just kind of crazy that he's in this category when it shows how much has changed in such a short space of time. Yeah.
00:27:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
um can i just give an honorable mention or is it is sorry is rodrigo not your pick okay
00:27:47
Chris
ah Rodrigo is in my top two but I haven't announced which it is.
00:27:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
sorry um i won't i won't steal the thunder that i think is about to be
00:27:53
Chris
okay
00:27:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:27:54
Chris
um Prior to that for me, whilst again Andre is great but at that point had only played, not actually played that many games because he'd again been in and out of the squad under Anil, I think the clear option would have been Strand-Larson.
00:28:05
Chris
I know he's got, I feel like he's getting
00:28:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:28:09
Chris
a load of abuse online at the moment when it's really not worth it. Like I don't understand what people have. ah People are calling him all sorts of things that he's not a good striker that we, ah yes, we need more. Like it's good to have backup, but people are saying it like we just need someone else instead of him altogether. I think he's fantastic.
00:28:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's weird. I think he's good. I don't think he's bad. But I think no, I just think that sometimes the ball goes up to him. And he you expect a bit more, but then the goals don't lie.
00:28:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
And ah no, I do. I do agree with you in terms of look, if he's a number nine and he gets around double digits in terms of goals, which I think he will come the end of the season.
00:28:46
Chris
He's already on seven.
00:28:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I don't see how you can really complain with that.
00:28:52
Chris
No.
00:28:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:28:53
Chris
Annette, can we just say, you think he's weird. Did you hear your toilet story?
00:28:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah i just think he's no not yet no just in terms of i just think he's a bit because he score your goals but then it will go up to him sometimes and he can't keep a hold of it and then he will the next time he'll pin his man and chest do you know what i mean so i suppose that's just a slight bit of inconsistency the sorry inconsistency but nowhere near enough for people to be on his back like you said they are
00:28:57
Nathan
I was gonna say, did you meet him somewhere as well?
00:28:59
Chris
Yeah.
00:29:23
Nathan
You see, the thing is with Strand Larsen that I think is we've watched so many different strikers come to the walls over the years that have no clue where the back of the net is, but also just general open play and the way the team plays.
00:29:33
Chris
Mm-hmm.
00:29:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:29:37
Nathan
Strand Larsen and showed it again against Bristol City last weekend.
00:29:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:29:41
Nathan
His overall understanding of the team and where people are and bringing other players into the game is brilliant. And I think, he I mean, it was our second goal.
00:29:52
Chris
Yep, I was going to mention you.
00:29:52
Nathan
where just the one two, the one two with, um, Jal Gomez in the midfield, I think it was, that's just brilliant holdup play.
00:29:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes. Yeah. Yeah.
00:29:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:29:59
Nathan
And he, he shows that regularly. I do agree with your will where there are times where you think, Oh, he could, that could stick a bit more, or he could do a bit better with that chance. But really overall, we see him be a threat more often than not.
00:30:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:13
Nathan
And I think that's all you want out of your number nine, especially when you're a team struggling, he's always in those areas.
00:30:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, that's exactly it. as As a striker, stats don't lie in terms of goals. And like I said, as long as he scores his goals, I have really couldn't care less about, about the rest of it.
00:30:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, that's all that matters for us.
00:30:31
Chris
But yeah, I did, cause I'd never got to say mine.
00:30:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Um, but before, but oh, soy sorry, sorry, Chris.
00:30:33
Chris
So I will say given the, given this debate and given the flack he's getting, I'm going to give it to Larsen because I feel like he's been, he's but he's played pretty much every game since the start of the season.
00:30:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:45
Chris
He's already got seven goals, a couple of assists. Like you say, that second goal against Bristol city, he receives the goal kick from Johnson and it's his interplay that helps kick off the movement because he does bring people into the game when he, when he gets to hold it up.
00:30:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:30:56
Chris
And he does a lot of work off the ball as well. that makes There's a couple of other people's goals this season that wouldn't have happened without him dragging defenders out of position.
00:31:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:31:04
Chris
you know Because again, people don't always look at that stuff. So yeah, I'm going to give it to Larsen for his like the amount of stuff he's already done for us this season.
00:31:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:31:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no a lot of his work definitely goes unnoticed. um But with that being said, before we get on to the final few categories, I'd just like to give out a quick reminder that this podcast is part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, the only network bringing you exclusive daily news and views on your Premier League team, the Premier League, women's football and fantasy football.
00:31:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
a unique listening experience that puts fans first, bringing you the very latest breaking news from your team. subscribe wherever you get your podcast to make sure you make yourself that so you guys have' caught that wanna um make sure you make a your first listen every day global sports podcast network every club
00:31:53
Nathan
every day.
00:31:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
every day i needed your help a bit earlier then guys dont what it's happening again it's happening again you know what it is i'm thinking of my answers i'm thinking of my answers because the the next one i think um this is probably the most difficult one for me oh maybe not but it's the worst signing who do you think uh has come in and just
00:31:57
Chris
seamless.
00:32:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
stunk up the gaff basically and you're both you're both eager to go for it uh chris i'll go for you first because i feel like you've been last the past few times yeah yeah
00:32:21
Chris
Yep.
00:32:25
Chris
I think there's only one answer because it's not just about the player. It's about the club and the signing itself because there's and li like that whole picture to it. Sam Johnston were signing because of what it's done to the, to the goalkeeping situation and all the confusion. And now it looks like he might go again and it just hasn't worked. It's like, I don't understand. It wasn't an upgrade. Just no.
00:32:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
no yeah 10 million down the drain nathan i assume um's going to be yeah yeah yeah yeah well we'll move swiftly on then shall we because i feel like that could be you know a whole half an hour of lantern itself between the three of us um and we'll move on to what i think
00:32:52
Nathan
um agreed with absolutely everything Chris said. Consider that my answer as well.
00:33:06
Chris
Mm hmm.
Most Improved Player: Matt Doherty
00:33:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
is again another difficult one which is who would you say is the most improved player this year? Nathan, back to you first.
00:33:18
Nathan
Right, I'm going to go a little bit off-pitched of it. Now, most improved player, you tend to go for someone who might be a bit younger, early 20s, something like that, who's sort of trying to find their feet in the prem and hasn't strung together good performances. But I would actually go with Matt Doherty for this one.
00:33:35
Nathan
Only reason, my main reason for it is I think when he came back to the Wolves in my head I thought when I've seen him play at wing back again or fall back in a flat four I thought his career in the Prem is done.
00:33:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
okay
00:33:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:33:49
Nathan
I thought he'll last one season, he'll be off, he's he's no good enough for the Prem anymore but
00:33:49
Chris
Mm.
00:33:56
Nathan
Since moving into a back three, I think he's been a revelation. I think he's been fantastic. And I can't say that it's something that I saw coming. And I think just for that, I'd say the improvement that he's made in his game to be able to adapt from a wing back position, which is pretty much played his entire professional career to a center back position is brilliant. So I'd go for him for that reason.
00:34:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah and i think that's fair enough um chris would you would you offer someone different or do you agree yeah
00:34:27
Chris
That's a great one. I'm going to go for someone different. um Going into the question, I was like, there's only two there's two possible answers for me for this. And he was not on my list, so there's actually three possible answers. because And probably that's because I just love Doc anyway. So for me, it's like, I always knew he could do it. um For me, the two the two main answers are Santi Bueno.
00:34:48
Chris
because I feel like it's underestimated how much of a professional he's been the last couple of seasons in and out the team never complained once played again played in a back three, a back four, a back five like he's played in so many different combinations he's played on the right he's played in the left he's played in the middle He's been everywhere.
00:35:05
Chris
He's been in and out of the team and never complained. He just gets on with it. And now he's getting some stability and we've seen him move into the middle where he's been comfortable with previous clubs. And, you know, he may not stay there again because things are changing, like people are getting fit again.
00:35:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:35:19
Chris
But even so, if, if like against the Bristol city, Ogbeadoo is on the left and he's in the middle, then it they can form a bit more of a partnership.
00:35:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:35:27
Chris
I just think he's been an vastly improved with the consistency and it's nice to see, but the other choice is Gedge because you've got to think back two three years ago this is a man who none of us wanted to see in a wolf shirt ever again many of us were like so angry with him we're happy to see him gone and we've been begging for someone to buy him for the last two seasons
00:35:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes. Yeah.
00:35:52
Chris
manages to come back, shows that he's got something about him. We're seeing the signs of a player that we thought we were signing for what was it, something ridiculous? Was it 30 million or maybe 40?
00:36:01
Nathan
40, was it 40?
00:36:02
Chris
It was like, it was a lot.
00:36:03
Nathan
Maybe I went too high.
00:36:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it was about 30.
00:36:05
Chris
Um, I think it was around anyway, but the point is, and now we're seeing him actually making runs all the time, creating chances, scoring goals, smiling, like, yeah.
00:36:14
Nathan
Smiling.
00:36:16
Chris
Like all these things we never thought he could do. So for me, those were the two main options. And because of that massive story arc, like almost like a movie character, like cast out returns from the cold and comes back and given it to Gedge.
00:36:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah Yeah, that's fair.
00:36:30
Nathan
I have to say, I have to say, I haven't listened to that one. I didn't think of GED initially, but i'd I'd be happy with that being at our main one.
00:36:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah um can i can i derail us on that because i was actually going to say someone who maybe i'm just flat out wrong but i'm actually going to say the most improved player is a player that was already good But I just think Mateusz Kouni has taken it to a completely new level this this season.
00:36:58
Chris
Sure.
00:37:02
Chris
so
00:37:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's just caved us, to be honest. You know, teams, teams playing wolves have thought, stop him, stop wolves, you know? And he's, he's just been that main man, but to a different extreme that I've ever seen him at before.
00:37:13
Nathan
Yeah.
00:37:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, it's not just the goals and assists. you know to take it down from in the air, sort of do a kvoif turn as you first touch and in your own hearth and you know just the way he's gone past people the way he's taken on all the responsibility i just yeah i've seen shouts from people saying that they've never seen someone play that well in a wolf's shirt before i'm not sure i'd go that far but he's certainly looked you know unbelievable this season
00:37:48
Nathan
I think he's also brought that like Brazilian flair back to the prem.
00:37:53
Nathan
And he's brought it to like a ah higher level than Brazilians have over the last couple of years in a way. And I've seen it by a few few fans that are kind of, I mean, inevitably it's your arsenals and your Tottenhams and whoever else that think, ah, we need to go and buy him because he's playing unreal.
00:37:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:37:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:38:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
Mateusz Kouni's Impact This Season
00:38:10
Nathan
But he just excites, he doesn't even when he plays.
00:38:12
Nathan
And his first thought when he gets the ball is to try and do something going forwards, he's just got, yeah, bundles of confidence this season and as you said, it's been coming off for him.
00:38:12
Chris
Mm.
00:38:23
Chris
I think it's a great answer and I can definitely see what you mean.
00:38:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:38:27
Chris
i as ah As a most improved, I get it. um I'm sticking with my Gedge answer because I like the whole long-term story arc on that, but I totally i totally get that that argument for sure, definitely.
00:38:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah yeah
00:38:40
Chris
And in terms of the what you mentioned about the ah those, it I hate calling them the big teams, but you know what I mean? Those those clubs that you mentioned, the ones that sit at the top more and feel like they should have these players,
00:38:51
Chris
There is that argument. Yes, he'll go on to something massive, I'm sure, at some point in his career. But there is that thing as well that, you know, in a in a smaller pond, he's a big fish and he gets to do this stuff in a bigger pond.
00:39:04
Chris
He's not necessarily going to stand out the same way because he won't necessarily be the star.
00:39:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:39:09
Chris
He'll be just one of many and, you know, have to fight for his opportunities will be mixed in. Do you know what I mean? Like they don't get the free roaming.
00:39:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:39:16
Chris
You won't get to roam like he does at walls where he gets to just do what he wants to kind of dominate.
00:39:21
Nathan
And we we we saw that with players like, I mean, we're seeing of Pedro Netto now at Chelsea, hotter at at Liverpool, you know, players where once upon a, once, yeah, exactly.
00:39:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:39:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Relish, sissy. so solv so Sorry that was just a brummy in me that really sprung to my mind there and speaking of which I'll now ask for your most underwhelming player of the season who's
00:39:32
Nathan
Once upon a time, once upon a time, these guys were carrying walls teams. So yeah, it's a good point.
Disappointment with Craig Dawson's Performance
00:39:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
who's just really not done it for you. I've sort of mentioned mine. It's slightly different to who's the worst, but who's disappointed you the most. And I'm going to say a name that I don't think has been mentioned as such in terms of this wildcard part of the episode. I'm going to get the ball rolling by saying Craig Dawson.
00:40:12
Chris
Hmm.
00:40:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just think he's been a shadow of the player that he has been for us and it's really annoying because I loved him. I love that type of centre half as well, you know, that's not just sort of old school but it's good good at being old school and you know i just think it's his sort of dip in form has you know come at a time where we we we needed anything but that and yeah it's it's i don't know i think it's a shame to see just the sort of gradual decline of who's not just been a a great player for us but has been you know a sort of
00:40:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'd say a bit of a Barclays man, if you like, over you know the past so five, ten years or so. so I think it's just yeah sad to see in a way. and you know We didn't didn't want it to happen, but it looks like it is.
00:41:11
Chris
but what about What about you, Nathan?
00:41:14
Nathan
Um, underwhelming. It's... I don't know, it's a difficult one. It's one that you kind of... For me, it would be Craig Dawson, I would expect his quality and his overall ability to play at the same standards he did last season to go down this season. So for that reason, I probably wouldn't go for Craig Dawson just because if there's anyone who I expected their levels to drop going into this season, it'd be him. However, um and I know this might be really, really harsh, but I'm gonna go for a player who's,
00:41:50
Nathan
who I just thought was going to kick on a bit given his kind of status in the squad and the minutes that he had a bit last season and his relationship with O'Neal, I'd go with Tommy Doyle simply because I think he's at a stage in his career where he needs to kick on. He needs to prove whether or not he is a high-end championship player where he can be really good in the championship or whether he can do it consistently in the prem. And I think we've seen flashes of it, but I just expected him this season to take a real, I don't know, get a grasp of it, but he really hasn't nailed down being that that guy who's always brought on. And even now we're starting to see games where when we do need a winner or we do need goals, he's not necessarily your first resort to go to in midfield now.
00:42:38
Chris
Mm hmm.
00:42:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:42:39
Nathan
So I think for that reason I'd go him. It could be really harsh because I do know he's in he's in a battle with you know European quality players in there, isn't he?
00:42:49
Nathan
Like Brazilian internationals and people that could easily be playing in in Europe, I think. um So yeah, difficult one but I'd go him.
00:42:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:42:58
Chris
No, that's good. and That's good. I think I'm going to narrow. I'm going to. I just love the sign of talking clearly because I'm going to give two choices again and then narrow it to one. The one I feel like I can't give it to you because I've already given him another award for worst signing is Sam Johnson because I feel like he is just underwhelming.
00:43:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:43:15
Chris
He's literally a tin of white paint. You know, he's just, um like yeah you know, or vanilla ice cream, whatever it is, you know, he's just.
00:43:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:43:22
Nathan
10 million for white paint, Chris.
00:43:24
Chris
But, you know, he's Johnston, Johnston White's paint.
00:43:24
Nathan
10 million for white paint.
00:43:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'd pay 10 million for anything, vanilla.
00:43:27
Chris
um
00:43:29
Chris
But you know what I mean? It's just like, who's your goalkeeper? Oh, it's Sam Johnston. You know, he just looks drab, looks boring, sounds boring, is boring, just underwhelming on the team sheet.
00:43:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
don't like him to you like
00:43:41
Chris
I really don't like him. And I'm Mr.
00:43:44
Nathan
you know you know i set You're not a salesman, are you, Chris?
00:43:44
Chris
Optimistic, Mr. Nice, and I don't like him. yeah But it's not of this paint, I'm not, no. However, because I've already given him one award, I will veer away and the other name that I just had in my brain, you've made me all forget by laughing at my other jokes.
00:44:01
Chris
No, I had it and it's gone.
00:44:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, no, it's there. It's there. I can see it. Underwhelming.
00:44:05
Chris
Oh, Elegard.
00:44:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Think of someone that underwent that.
00:44:08
Chris
Belegard.
00:44:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:44:09
Chris
And I'm going with Belegard.
00:44:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, enough said.
00:44:10
Chris
I've said it before, underwhelming in a way that, like, if you've got a clean team sheet, and he's the first one you were to put down for some reason, yeah, I know he wouldn't be, but, like, where do you play him?
00:44:22
Chris
I don't know where he is best. And that's partly on, obviously, previous management or whatever else, maybe. We haven't, so like, he's been played in every, that's not to his own, like that's maybe to his detriment.
00:44:35
Chris
He's been played in every position possible pretty much that he can probably play. And we haven't seen him have stability in any one role. That's not helpful to anyone, no matter how good you are. But I just honestly don't know where he's meant to go.
00:44:47
Chris
And when he does, come on.
00:44:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:44:48
Chris
I'm just like, what, what what's he doing?
00:44:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Look, Chris, I don't know what he brings to the party. um But speaking of parties, I have some party surprises here as I ask you for what is your biggest surprise or who has been your biggest surprise of
Surprise Success: Andre's Signing
00:45:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
the season. I'd like to get the ball rolling again on this one, not to be greedy, but it's just because I've got, I'm going to do a Chris and name more than one person.
00:45:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
because they're both people who have already been mentioned but I was going to put in this category and that is Guedis for obvious reasons just the sheer surprise of sorry just the sheer surprise of how
00:45:27
Chris
Catch.
00:45:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know, how much of a turnaround we've seen. um And the same could be said for Doherty. So instead of putting them in the most improved category, I'm just more surprised. But then on the flip side of that, I would actually like to put Lumina in this, but for the wrong reasons, you know, because of how much I liked him and how much I thought he was, you know, a real sort of proper, proper player and thought I thought he'd be a great, great captain in the way he carried himself on the pitch and some some of the tackles he'd put in and the work he'd go through and he, you know, he played pretty much every position at one point last year from centre half to centre forward and out on the left wing and all sorts, you know.
00:46:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
um so just to see how weirdly that's gone i'd say yeah that's my biggest biggest surprise
00:46:26
Nathan
It depends on how what what you get surprised by, isn't it? Like I get surprised when I see Totti Gomez trap a football and pass it out wise without without worrying. Like I sometimes surprise myself when I'm not worried and he does that. So it depends what what surprised you, isn't it? I think for me, I ah don't know if I ah just didn't believe in the Andre signing or I thought we can't possibly have gone and got someone who's of Jal Gomez's quality again from the Brazilian league.
00:46:59
Nathan
There's no way we're pulling this off again. So I was very pleasantly surprised at how good Andrea's been since coming in and surprised by the fact we've been able to even pull that sort of signing off.
00:47:11
Nathan
So I'd go him, but yeah, a bit subject to this one, isn't it?
00:47:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I get it.
00:47:15
Nathan
well
00:47:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
I hear it.
00:47:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Chris.
00:47:18
Chris
Continuing in the trend that Will's just copied, first off, the the mid like the the the moment of surprise at one point was when Gary and Neil said that we didn't have any Premier League experience in the squad.
00:47:29
Chris
And that was like, what? What are you talking about? What? That was a surprise in itself. And on a bigger note to that, I feel like the ongoing surprise at the moment is that the further we get from Gary and Neil's reign,
00:47:42
Chris
the more and more surprised I am how much his tenure is being undermined by the things we are seeing each week, you know, from improvements defensively, improvements like stability wise, improvements or like and the unveiling of Rodrigo Gomez that we all saw in preseason, everyone saw him in preseason and was like, this guy is great. And then apparently he wasn't ready. And now we're seeing he's great. um Just the surprise in that how much how much we were told that things weren't good.
00:48:17
Chris
And this is the best we could do. And we all felt it, but it seems like the more, with the first week, yeah, find a little bounce, but the further we get from it, it more, the more and more it feels like he's just being ah undermined. Does that make me a sense of that constant surprise of, Oh, this is good.
00:48:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:48:33
Nathan
You could almost have a category just for Gary O'Neill surprises on its own or Gary O'Neill underwhelming moments.
00:48:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:48:40
Nathan
You need to get like top 10 Gary O'Neill underwhelming moments. Watch mojo dot.com or something on YouTube.
00:48:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Um, yeah, no, I fully hear it and I yeah, Chris, I fully agree. Um, but that's, that's everything for today's episode guys. And I'll be honest, I'm, I'm struggling to think of ways to conclude a, a podcast that's covered topics from Italian penises to Jeff.
00:49:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
She's wet handed the toilet to, you know, um, you getting surprised by the gamers.
00:49:11
Nathan
And we didn't even come on to Gibbs White and Ann Summers.
00:49:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
look look that's a story a story for another day um so yeah i'm struggling to think of ways to sum that all up so i'm going to delegate the the the duties and chris i'm gonna i'm gonna give you the honor just just say the line say the line yeah thank you
00:49:16
Nathan
I can't believe it.
00:49:29
Chris
Oh gosh.
00:49:34
Chris
Just the line. Okay. Just remember everyone as of darkness cometh light.