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If QPR join the party and bid for Gayle if Austin moves on, and given that they are also interested in Gedioura, then I could see Philips coming to Selhurst as part of the deal. All speculation of course, getting carried away!

As the facts, which I have stated above, prove, Gayle is NOT an impact sub because he makes almost no impact in that role. 4 goals in 29 games, two of them in one game, end the argument and dispel your claim. 2 goals in 28 games off the bench in an average of 18 minutes played is not making an impact.

The simple fact is that we have brought in Wickham and Bamford because Gayle has not been effective, either off the bench or starting (whether you want to cite being played out of position or not as an excuse is up to you.) We will presumably stick with Chamakh, Murray and/or Campbell to augment those two as there is plenty of evidence to suggest that all three offer more to the team than Gayle does.

Gayle is at present simply a signing that has not worked out. If he's been played out of position, that's because he hasn't been good enough to win the shirt in his preferred position. Talking him up, as Parish (and to a lesser extent Pards) have both done this summer strikes me as little more than an attempt to retain some value in the transfer market; after all, you don't slag off an item you're trying to sell. Everyone needs to move on. Gayle strikes me a nice, honest kid. But nowhere close to what's required at the level we're at now.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

Just to add some context to my previous post, Gayle scores a goal an average of every 131 minutes as a sub. A couple of years ago (a year for which I happen to have stats to hand) Edin Dzeko was the leading impact sub, scoring a goal every 59 minutes played. Chicharito was next, scoring every 74 minutes. Steven Fletcher every 84 minutes. Darren Bent every 90 minutes. Gayle would not even be close to the top 10.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

This would be a direct, instant downgrade. Also I heard he has an attitude problem. High wages, sounds like the kind of player we should be avoiding, not swapping Gayle for

When you’re knocked on your back and your life’s a flop...

Syd, can you please provide more statistical detail in your posts please. Its just scratching the surface at the moment!!

Bring back Brolin

I know he is not an impact sub, but I struggle to see another striker who we had in the team last year who could do that job. Also, I struggle to see what campbell offers to the team that means we don't need gayle. Yes he bullies defences, but that can't be used to mask the fact that he isn't really a premier league quality striker.

Murray is a fantastic striker with a brilliant footballing brain as many have already stated, but clearly, he is getting on and it dosent look like he's going to be our first choice striker, and isn't much of an impact player.

Gayle has the pace and ability to open a game when things are becoming flat, and is widely quoted as the best finisher at the club. I believe that he still has a place in the squad, and for certain oppositions with not so well drilled defences, I think he will be in the right place at the right time to get a goal. With improved midfield talent in yohan, I can see him getting on the end of more and more through balls, and if he's got the chance, he will put it in the back of the net.

Then again I'm sure wickham is an informed choice and could prove to be both Glenn Murray and gayle rolled into one. Although, I think it will take time.