03 Jun 2025 11:38:25
I was just talking to a fellow ST holder about potential signings and sales.
I expressed my very slight surprise that apparently Noni has a "For Sale" sign attached to his name. He told me that the lad has real discipline issues and has been read the riot act several times by EM.
03 Jun 2025 20:02:57
His attitude has always looked a bit off – sulky at times, called out publicly earlier in the season by Maresca, and also dropped for a while (I think) by Poch due to the same, party lifestyle and poor training, something like that.
But on the pitch he's probably our only winger who can take the game by the scruff of the neck. though he doesn't seem to do it often enough. Still, so young, and if he can put his head down there's a great player in there. Has improved massively since last year, and that was an improvement on the year before, so the idea that his development has stalled doesn't fly. I honestly don't know where I stand on this one. He's frustrated me massively at times but also has been the best of our wingers overall I think (not a massively high bar this season) .
04 Jun 2025 15:13:05
EdW, I wouldn’t be that bothered if Noni goes. I agree that none of our wingers have been impressive. As for Noni he gives the appearance of being one of those young players who think they are better than they are and don’t need to improve or develop. I don’t believe he has the mentality to become top class.
04 Jun 2025 17:34:47
I think I agree with that assessment Jimbo, although sometimes it just takes the right moment for a young player to realise they're letting their career/ talent slip away. Another argument for having a healthy number of serious, hardworking senior pros in a squad – Noni's attitude does seem to reflect a general culture in this team (stropping when things don't go their way, in particular – look at the number of yellow cards we've had over the past couple of seasons) . I'm not sure this current environment would be the right one for him to find that moment, unfortunately, but do think he could become a very good player (after an epiphany) .
09 Jun 2025 08:23:28
I’m not sure about “stropping” but I agree about yellow cards received for verbals to the officials is far to frequent.