Scott Neilson

From what RS said on the radio post Havant and Waterlooville it seems that today is decision day as to whether Scott Neilson will return in January or seek new pastures. I think the wise thing for him to do would be to stay, he is an important player for us, knows the players and managers, and is part of a relatively successful team. However, I have a gut feeling that he won't want to stay on due to the situation regarding location.

Maybe we could give him a couple of hundred quid extra a week to convince him to stay? Surely it would be worth it in the long run if we get promoted to L2. For me, Scott Neilson is a must keep, more so than Hannah if I'm honest because in the matches where he hasn't played we haven't looked anywhere near as much of a threat compared to when he's been in the side.

If he does go then who could we replace him with? Could we maybe look to bring Conor Townsend back in when his loan at Chesterfield ends? From what I hear he hasn't been playing much there. Thomas and Townsend for me would provide a solid defensive foundation but also a threatening attacking force.

Any thoughts?

People need to seriously forget about Towsend. That lad won't play another non-league game again in his life.

Think it's 50/50 with Neilson. I'll be surprised if anything is done before he goes back but could see him joining on loan until the end of the season (at best!).

Agreed we need to keep him, but Hannah is far more important, hes a goalscorer, which nobody else is doing consistanty. we have 3 or 4 wingers if Neilson dosn't stay.

For no reason at all and without any evidence, I have a horrible feeling he's going to end up at Luton.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

For no reason at all and without any evidence, I have a horrible feeling he's going to end up at Luton.

Wouldn't worry about that if he did, going forward is the least of Luton's problems.

Neilson has a history of starting brightly at clubs then fading away. Maybe we've seen the best of him? He's not the most dedicated professional in the world!

Quoted from cod.gtfc

Wouldn't worry about that if he did, going forward is the least of Luton's problems.

Spot on Cod.  Not trying to suggest that Luton are not a threat, clearly they are, but they have plenty of problems of their own.  Smith going back to York has left them short of any bite in the middles of the park and Buckle isn't, by all accounts, very confident in the make up of his back four.  Any run of poor results will see the Luton faithful turn on the manager with impressive speed.

UTM

Scott neilson is a quality player and for me i really hope we sign him.

Mentioned in the telegraph that our location could be a problem. Think if a club down London way offer him something then its goodbye.
Definately need to keep Hannah and Pond and maybe extend Marshall's loan till end of season

I think we should look to get Marshall permanently, he can only get better

Townsend? We might need for Thomas if his injury gets worse ala hearn.

But he wouldn't comeback anyway. Scott is a must Imo our best player by a few miles.

I don't think Townsend would be out of the question if the managers were to pursue him. His loan at Chesterfield is due to expire after the weekend and he has barely featured for a League 2 team. We're close to Hull, we're doing well and he has family connections in Grimsby.

I am not too  worried if Neilson decides he wants to be playing nearer to his home,

We have Colbeck and hopefully  Marshall to play on the wings,

If he wants to stay, great,

BUT

Hannah is a must.

I've got a luton fan on Facebook hes my mate and he says that their wingers   are quality so they don't need extra ones but paul buckle is a terrible manager

Quoted from aaron rattray

I've got a luton fan on Facebook hes my mate and he says that their wingers   are quality so they don't need extra ones but paul buckle is a terrible manager

They have got about six strikers as well,

Its their defence that is a problem,  

If he doesn't want to move up north permanently then hopefully we can still extend his loan until the end of the season so that he can help us try and finish the job.

I'd be more worried about pond going to luton than Neilson

Quoted from Super Clive

I'd be more worried about pond going to luton than Neilson

I do not think we will miss Pond because we have Miller,

BUT

I would hate Luton to sign Pond.

i reckon luton is a great shout ,they will try and get 1 over us and also snaffle a good player in the process

Location isn't a problem because he used to play for bradford after Cambridge and before crawley

Quoted from aaron rattray

Location isn't a problem because he used to play for bradford after Cambridge and before crawley

And left because he was homesick.

I reckon there's only one person in the whole of Grimsby who doesn't want us to sign Nathan Pond.

Ian Miller!  

Quoted from Super Clive

I'd be more worried about pond going to luton than Neilson

Totally agree, I could see Luton coming in with a stupid offer for him to scupper our chances, If we can only afford to pat a fee for one which would you choose, For me it has to be Ross  as we have Miller to replace Pond and nothing to replace Ross

Quoted from jonnyboy82

And left because he was homesick.

I'm not basing this on anything but conjecture...but could it have just been an excuse for it not working out there? Or wanting away for another reason?

A good player though he is, he doesn't really seem the type to dig in when the going gets tough.  Maybe would be better all round to sign him own loan til the end of the season, he can put himself in the shop window with a (hopefully) successful team, he helps us get promoted, and everyone lives happily ever after. In theory

for me we need to sign the lad up

Scott is a bit of a show off but adds a bit of sparkle, gets the crowd going and has a lot of skill. Needs to try to not overdo things and find the strikers more. His and Hannah's first game showed what they are capable of and Scotts run and pass to Hannah for his goal was quality. He is here knows his team mates, knows the gaffers and the team is doing well. It would be a shame to have to start all over again with someone else who might not settle in quckly. If Scott does not return the Joe Colbeck will have to turn it on.

Not sure why people think if Nielson goes it'll be fine because 'we have other wingers'. It's like ditching your Ferrari because 'I've got loads of Ford Escorts at home'. Just because we have others doesn't take away from the fact that pretty much all sub standard.

I agree Lew although I wouldn't say colbeck is sub standard. He's hit and miss but is more than capable. Put it this way is Scott don't sign expect someone else to!

Quoted from pontoonlew

Not sure why people think if Nielson goes it'll be fine because 'we have other wingers'. It's like ditching your Ferrari because 'I've got loads of Ford Escorts at home'. Just because we have others doesn't take away from the fact that pretty much all sub standard.

What if it's a cosworth?

Scott Nielson isn't the only winger Luton are rumoured to be interested in

http://www.leightonbuzzardonli.....peculation-1-4603534

Saw Neilson in will hill on Victoria street with aswad Thomas last night, looked to be enjoying it, he'll be staying.

I think that Marshall is equal if not better than Neilson, Marshalls direct running is similar to Neilsons just that Neilson has the whit of drifting inside and committing players but loses the ball quite alot.

What did he say on MP yesterday?

Quoted from Codswede

Saw Neilson in will hill on Victoria street with aswad Thomas last night, looked to be enjoying it, he'll be staying.

They also have bookmakers in the South though

Dear Scott,

you know you will be better at Grimsby. DON'T PANIC - STAY AT GRIMSBY

Regards,

Grantham Mariner

Quoted from Chrisblor

They also have bookmakers in the South though

Hardly frequented by such delights as can be seen in the Victoria St area though...

Quoted from Trawler

Scott Nielson isn't the only winger Luton are rumoured to be interested in

http://www.leightonbuzzardonli.....peculation-1-4603534

If we don't manage to sign Hannah could this be a target?

Quoted from Codswede

Hardly frequented by such delights as can be seen in the Victoria St area though...

And Luton has better?   LOL!

Put it in his contract 10 £10 bets at will hill Victoria st only,that may work

Paul Buckle officially confirms interest.

Stay classy, Luton.

Quoted from Alfie

Paul Buckle officially confirms interest.

Stay classy, Luton.

Have we not officially confirmed interest? If he's been transfer listed by Crawley, I don't see the problem with this.

Quoted from Abdul19

Have we not officially confirmed interest? If he's been transfer listed by Crawley, I don't see the problem with this.

Hopefully we're not talking, we're doing. But I'd have thought Luton would be favourites to sign him now due to location and they are perhaps the only BSP that can outwedge us unless we really push the boat out.

Did this Alan Neilson play for us in the Championship on loan from Fulham I think...? Or was it spelled Allan Neilson?

Quoted from Abdul19

Have we not officially confirmed interest? If he's been transfer listed by Crawley, I don't see the problem with this.

He's technically registered as our player until tomorrow though. Has a big game for us tonight and Buckle is talking about him in a press conference today.

You can bet your bottom dollar that these two wouldn't be talking about any of Luton's loan players, or any other club's players for that matter, in the press on the day of a big game.

Maybe if someone takes Artus off our hands in January we can offer Neilson a cracking deal, beyond what Luton could afford. If we can get rid of Elding and use his wages to beat Luton to Jolley that would be hilarious

Well that's settled then, I'd be very surprised if he didn't go to luton. Big club, close to home, challenging for the play-offs.

Quoted from GtfcGarner

I think that Marshall is equal if not better than Neilson, Marshalls direct running is similar to Neilsons just that Neilson has the whit of drifting inside and committing players but loses the ball quite alot.

I disagree.

Marshall doesn't mind running at players but he lacks a final ball and can't finish. Neilson is ten times the player of Marshall IMO. Neilson always looks like he has time on the ball - the sign of a good player. Would be a real blow if we miss out on him but he has a downside too. From the outside looking in, purely from watching him he tried to do too much at times, doesn't release players when he can and what happened when he kicked out and got send off concerns me. But he could well be the best player in the BSP if he chooses to drop down to us or Luton as I don't see any other BSP club having the clout do get him to drop out of the league.

If he goes to Luton he'll be under a different manager in a month. Big club, big expectations.

IMO, Marshall fits into this team much better than Neilson. It's clear we have no showboaters, no cocky/champagne players, and I can't help but think Neilson has this side to his game, his red card showing this more than anything. Marshall may lose the ball more than Neilson, but there is a very fine difference between their end product, and Marshall is a much better outlet, though Neilson plays accross the whole width of the pitch and creates by himself. I just feel that the current team feeling at GTFC (especially since Elds has left) is better than we've seen in years. A small squad and no one on the fringe who I'd be unhappy with replacing an injured player. May be wrong about SN, but I think people are being harsh on Marshall given that he wins free kicks in dangerous areas (Hatton... enough said), can beat a man, plays excellent crosses (to excellent headerers), and has chipped in with an excellent goal at Ebbsfleet. I wouldn't be too disheartened were SN not to re-sign, Dayle Southwell can be dangerous off the bench and I think we do have real options in all areas. Let's beat Wrexham and the Gimps and have a Merry Xmas

Quoted from Codswede

IMO, Marshall fits into this team much better than Neilson. It's clear we have no showboaters, no cocky/champagne players, and I can't help but think Neilson has this side to his game, his red card showing this more than anything. Marshall may lose the ball more than Neilson, but there is a very fine difference between their end product, and Marshall is a much better outlet, though Neilson plays accross the whole width of the pitch and creates by himself. I just feel that the current team feeling at GTFC (especially since Elds has left) is better than we've seen in years. A small squad and no one on the fringe who I'd be unhappy with replacing an injured player. May be wrong about SN, but I think people are being harsh on Marshall given that he wins free kicks in dangerous areas (Hatton... enough said), can beat a man, plays excellent crosses (to excellent headerers), and has chipped in with an excellent goal at Ebbsfleet. I wouldn't be too disheartened were SN not to re-sign, Dayle Southwell can be dangerous off the bench and I think we do have real options in all areas. Let's beat Wrexham and the Gimps and have a Merry Xmas

They're not in the same league.

There's no glossing over it. Neilson is our most technically gifted player. He's not far off Alan Connell-levels of ability imo albeit much more of a rough diamond. If he does go, as I think he will, it'll be a huge blow. There's no glossing over it but I have faith that these two will find someone who will be able to come in and do a decent enough job.

While very talented, I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up being pretty ineffective - like so many before him - and fizzles out after being shunted into a bit-part player at Luton. History shows he's at his best when playing week in, week out as a starman (Cambridge, here and the League Two season at Crawley).

And for anyone underestimating the power of geography, this is a fella that left a huge club like Bradford City to sign for Crawley Town when they were a league below Bradford.
If he has an offer from a team down south, he'll be gone. We shouldn't undermine negotiations with other players and the current squad to try and sign a player who obviously wants to go back home.

Thanks Scott and all the best.

Quoted from 75

I disagree.

Marshall doesn't mind running at players but he lacks a final ball and can't finish. Neilson is ten times the player of Marshall IMO. Neilson always looks like he has time on the ball - the sign of a good player. Would be a real blow if we miss out on him but he has a downside too. From the outside looking in, purely from watching him he tried to do too much at times, doesn't release players when he can and what happened when he kicked out and got send off concerns me. But he could well be the best player in the BSP if he chooses to drop down to us or Luton as I don't see any other BSP club having the clout do get him to drop out of the league.

I agree Jase, and probably me thinking now that he is just a little too comfortable on the ball at times, All of the best players have quite a bad attitude though, Messi is an exception.. I just think Marshall is an old school winger who opponents don't know how to combat, but thats just my POV.

If Scott ends up somewhere else, which I hope he doesn't, then I'm sure The Dynamic Duo have somebody in their sights already. They knew this situation could occur when they signed him and if past actions are anything to go by then they already have somebody in mind.

Quoted from 75

Hopefully we're not talking, we're doing. But I'd have thought Luton would be favourites to sign him now due to location and they are perhaps the only BSP that can outwedge usJohn unless weJohn will really push the boat out.

There you go

Quoted from 75

I disagree.

Marshall doesn't mind running at players but he lacks a final ball and can't finish.
.

I agree that Nielson is the better of the 2 players, but I'm sure I saw you at Ebbsfleet, or were you still in the bar when Marshall scored.  

Quoted from Garth

There you go

His poor chairmanship is part of the reason we're down here. He can shell out a bit to rectify it.

Quoted from Alfie

He's technically registered as our player until tomorrow though. Has a big game for us tonight and Buckle is talking about him in a press conference today.

You can bet your bottom dollar that these two wouldn't be talking about any of Luton's loan players, or any other club's players for that matter, in the press on the day of a big game.

Yeah, I can see your point, but I doubt it'll unsettle him as I assume he'll have known of Luton's interest for a while.

Yeah, agree with many above in that S&H will bring in a quality player to replace him, have mentioned before that I haven't known any of their loan signings being a disappointment (holding my breath with Rankine), and they really do seem to realise the abilities of each player. Great that none of our good players are missing out due to 'not being the manager's cup of tea', as happens in so many teams. Agree with S&H in that attitude can count for more than ability in football.

Quoted from Abdul19

Yeah, I can see your point, but I doubt it'll unsettle him as I assume he'll have known of Luton's interest for a while.

Agreed - presumably he'll want to play out of his skin tonight to strengthen his hand with all the clubs showing interest.

A MOM performance  in the offing?

Quoted from AdamHaddock

Maybe if someone takes Artus off our hands in January we can offer Neilson a cracking deal, beyond what Luton could afford. If we can get rid of Elding and use his wages to beat Luton to Jolley that would be hilarious

As I already said in another thread Luton don't even have to offer more money than us, they can offer less because of the location factor. If we want Neilson we have to offer more than Luton just to get him to move here. Its unlikely we can afford to do that or even want to do that.

He has more chance of regular games here than at L:uton I would have thought. But if he goes good luck to him and thanks for his contribution whilst here. I will never forget his debut when he set Hannah up for a terrific goal. Cheers Scott, if you stay you will be most welcome.

Quoted from oldun

He has more chance of regular games here than at L:uton I would have thought. But if he goes good luck to him and thanks for his contribution whilst here. I will never forget his debut when he set Hannah up for a terrific goal. Cheers Scott, if you stay you will be most welcome.

About sums it up for me too oldun.