Michail Antonio set to sign

Gribbo said:

The longer this goes, the less likely I reckon it is of happening.

Got an overwhelming feeling he'll end up at Wrexham....

It is happening.

IAgree said:

Interesting read however perhaps we might tone down the car crash / driving jokes. The crash is described as near fatal and resulted in multiple fractures and weeks in hospital. He was stuck in the wreckage for 45 mins and had to be cut out. Not in the slightest bit funny, even as gallows humour.

If we can get him fit and the price is right this could be a good signing, especially given the positions he can play. A bit of a punt though clearly.

Yes, he was lucky and if that was the first time I’d agree with your sentiments but he’s apparently written off four cars whilst at West Ham. Just hope none of the academy boys ask him for driving lessons.

Or Brum

dmccart32 said:

Also remember that Jamaica have World Cup play-offs at the end of March, he's bound to want to be up to some sort of match fitness ahead of that, but also if they qualify for the World Cup...he's got even more of an incentive to stake his claim for a spot at the World Cup...last chance for him.

It's a similar situation with Dykes in terms he needs to be playing to secure his World Cup place.

I can't see any downside to this other than maybe limiting minutes to a couple of existing players like Kelman or Godden.

If he's no good, then we've got another Roussillon, but if it works and he scores a few goals, then it could make the last month of the season a little more comfortable.

Isn’t Jones already doing that? 🤔🙂😆

dmccart32 said:

...

If he's no good, then we've got another Roussillon, ...

Hide the chocolates!

Linda Antonio says they are laying down the foundations 

Pavoren007 said:

Antonio is a free agent and so can sign any time. Am hoping he is pretty fit (having been training with Leicester prior to us) and will come in as an impact player and mentor (to TC, Kelman and Miles). Maybe tomorrow ahead of Tuesday. Let’s turn the screw on Pompey - bang in trouble.

With the knowledge that Michail Antonio has garnered over 570 appearances from Tooting and Mitcham to West Ham and Jamaica, the experience he could pass on to our forwards at Sparrows lane would be invaluable as a mentor.

As for playing cameo's in matches I don't know the level of his fitness and if his body can take the buffeting it would receive in the competitive Championship ?

Doesn't sound like money is an issue for Michail so it could well be a modest amount as he just wants to get back to playing the game he loves similar to when he played for Tooting and Mitcham at 17 and again at 18 when he was on loan from Reading.

Despite the talk there is no such thing as 'pay as you play' this could be a contract which is a tad unusual due to the circumstances of his car crash injuries and money isn't the main thought for a wealthy footballer at 35 who wants one last attempt before he retires from the professional game.

Wouldn't surprise me if he asks Charlton if he can have it filmed for his documentary "From car crash to Championship" 

RC_CAFC said:

Valley11 said:

Is this not happening now? 

Don’t forget concrete takes quite a while to set.

Maybe it was quick setting concrete, went hard too soon.

Currently a pundit for TNT on the Grimsby pitch, would that be happening if he was with us?

fenaddick said:

Sword65pf said:

Currently a pundit for TNT on the Grimsby pitch, would that be happening if he was with us?

Yes

Ok, well if so let’s hope he’s 100% focused on still being a footballer.

Off_it said:

So, some people have decided we should sign the bloke as a "mentor" despite there being absolutely no evidence that he would be any good in that role.

Just like people said the same about Chuks Aneke. Or getting Mendonca back to coach our forwards on how to hit a barn door, etc, etc. 

Why don't we get Mike Salmon back to teach our keepers how to leap? Or Claus Jensen back to teach our midfield how to shirk tackles and chip the keeper at Arsenal away? 
🙄

I thought you would say Claus Jensen to teach our players how to control a football and pass ! Being ironic obviously. 

It was stated at West ham, Antonio was a good mentor to the forwards when he was at Chadwell heath with Premier forwards !
We wouldn't just sign him to be a coach as I'm not aware he has the badges and we already have a forward coach but his experience of 570 matches must count for something as he isn't quiet at giving opinions with the mic in his hand.

Really not sure how his 35 year old body with the femur that was smashed in 4 places 14 months ago would take the tackles in the Championship and what medical he would undergo at CAFC ?

Off_it said:

I saw [insert players name] in a supermarket once. Not sure he was 100% focused on playing football whilst eyeing up the Maris Pipers. 

You like to pick holes in peoples comments without much opinion of you’re own, here I go explaining myself self again, my point was is he more interested in his career going forward or a last payday at probably his last club? . Don’t think it’s an outrageously absurd thing to ask or debate.