On Trial - Stoppila Sunzu

[ZacNaloen]

Makes you wonder why we take teenagers on trials from outside the EU, I can think of several we've tried, and its always the same outcome.

[Readingensian]

ITV have picked up the free-to-air TV rights for this years ACON. They will be showing 20 games in total, including every game from the quarter-final stage onwards. Looking forward to seeing Stoppila in action!

http://www.itv.com/sport/football/artic ... ve-on-itv/

[ZacNaloen]

Have to admit, I found the football last time thoroughly entertaining. Fast frenetic football, skilful players, I even saw an indirect free kick given in the box in the Zambia - Norway friendly the other day. Proper football stuff.

[Caskeys Lovechild]

I don't get it - why are we announcing this? Surely it just gives the opportunity for others to get in on the deal?
It's not like the fans and media need to know about this guy until he's signed??

[ZacNaloen]

I would expect we have signed a pre-contract agreement of some sort. Basically, if we are happy at the end of the week we've got him.

[winchester_royal]

I don't get it - why are we announcing this? Surely it just gives the opportunity for others to get in on the deal?
It's not like the fans and media need to know about this guy until he's signed??

It's because we want to wave our big black willy around basically. Nicky Hammond's own personal FU to Arsenal.

[The Royal]

I read on the net we agreed a 3.6 mil bid, what's that in ££££

[West Stand Man]

Apparently signed on a 3-year deal. 300k fee.

Could turn out to be an amazing deal or a major flop - that's my prediction.

In today's climate he would hardly be a major flop if he only cost £300k, surely?

[Sir Dodger Royal]

When was training with RFC so that they can have a look at him mean he has signed a contract? Looks like a trial to me.

If he impresses Royals will they sign him this week or let him go back ANC and then some Big Time Club nicks him?

What do you think squeaky will do?

[SPARTA]

Makes you wonder why we take teenagers on trials from outside the EU, I can think of several we've tried, and its always the same outcome.

Even if we can't get them, we still build a relationship with them that they appreciate later, or so that seems the case with Rogic and Sunzu. Plus we have brought over many youngsters before that either didn't work out, or their permit couldn't be renewed. The far eastern lad that ended up at Sunderland last season for one. So sometimes you can get them, and sometimes you can't keep them.

[M Brook]

ITV have picked up the free-to-air TV rights for this years ACON. They will be showing 20 games in total, including every game from the quarter-final stage onwards. Looking forward to seeing Stoppila in action!

http://www.itv.com/sport/football/artic ... ve-on-itv/

Zambia's group matches are not on ITV4, they are on British Eurosport.

[M Brook]

I read on the net we agreed a 3.6 mil bid, what's that in ££££

2/6

[Mike Hunt]

Isnt the ACON every 2 years? Anyone know why it is played this year?

Edit - here it is:

In May 2010, it was announced that the tournament would be moved to odd-numbered years from 2013. This will mean the tournament will not take place in the same year as the World Cup. It also means there will be two tournaments within twelve months in January 2012[11] (co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea) and January 2013 (hosted by South Africa).[2]

[Arnie_Pie]

This is clearly now more than a rumour and should be moved to the team board.

[tomrfcurz]

Odd how when this first came about, Sunzu himself was quoted as saying he didn't want to go to Arsenal as they wanted him on trial whereas Reading could offer him a deal straight up. What's changed? Surely Arsenal must have ended their interest as it is a trial here too or alternatively he has a pre-contract at Reading sorted and McDermott just wants him in to train as early as possible

[LoyalRoyal22]

Im confused. Some people saying 3m( the papers) and people on here saying 300k

[UpThePrem]

I read on the net we agreed a 3.6 mil bid, what's that in ££££

2/6

3.6M XAF (Congo) = £4,564.33

[winchester_royal]

Odd how when this first came about, Sunzu himself was quoted as saying he didn't want to go to Arsenal as they wanted him on trial whereas Reading could offer him a deal straight up. What's changed? Surely Arsenal must have ended their interest as it is a trial here too or alternatively he has a pre-contract at Reading sorted and McDermott just wants him in to train as early as possible

I'm sure this is more than just a 'trial'.

[The Royal]

Im confused. Some people saying 3m( the papers) and people on here saying 300k

His club wrote on their website that they had agreed a fee of €3.6mil, they then removed the post for whatever reasons, maybe reading never wanted the fee disclosed, make of it what you will

[SydenhamRoyal]

At £300k he could be a major flop.

If, however we we're able to tart him up a bit and sell him on for, say, £600k that would be a major flip.

Moreover if he's got, as I suspect, quite large feet there may be a need for major flip-flops.

Everybody wins.