Dokko

Flew in on the back of an ostrich

Multiple sources don't simultaneously all decide to make up the same story at exactly the same time to "stir the pot". Clearly a Rafa camp briefing as he's not happy and wants to remind Ashley and Charnley that they need start meeting their end of the bargain. Couldn't disagree more. Many times one media outlet has ran with a story and the rest pick up on it very quickly and without clarification or validation deliver the same with slight twists, even though its based on absolutely nothing. You really think Rafa has the hump with the club over Willy & Tammy? You are very naive if you genuinely think this. Rafa was absolutely furious in January and is a seasoned pro at playing the game with owners via the press, yet again he's identified target and the club is failing to get them over the line, of course he will be p*ssed off. How have so many forgotten the Keegan fiasco? If Rafa is spitting his dummy over a loan kid and a benchwarmer keeper then i struggle to understand his thinking. Its not like we've missed out on anyone s*** hot and a bargain price. Transfers are never the case of saying i want that one and it arriving next day delivery. The club could offer the asking price and a bit more, offer over inflated wages and a fleet of tractors and the players lass tell him she'd rather live in London so signs for Cockney FC Est. 2003. Also, if Rafa goes running to the papers every time he doesn't get his own way, he won't last long and the board will surely think they have grounds to terminate his contract without compensation. At this stage it seems very childish for Rafa to act like this, I understand end of the winter window when deals fell through, but the timing is premature if instigated by our manager. It's not about the individuals. It's about yet again the club not keeping up their end of the bargain. Take your head out of the sand. Are you an Ostrich? Don't start with the lip, keep it amicable. I've not made issue of you being a ginger gimp have I?

Multiple sources don't simultaneously all decide to make up the same story at exactly the same time to "stir the pot". Clearly a Rafa camp briefing as he's not happy and wants to remind Ashley and Charnley that they need start meeting their end of the bargain. Couldn't disagree more. Many times one media outlet has ran with a story and the rest pick up on it very quickly and without clarification or validation deliver the same with slight twists, even though its based on absolutely nothing. You really think Rafa has the hump with the club over Willy & Tammy? Why assume it's over Willy & Tammy? Usually are real targets and signings don't get made public until they are done so who knows what players we've targetted for months but have failed to make any progress on. Doesn't have to be ones press are aware of. These are the targets the papers have cited as the issue, them and Delph (who hasn't moved yet and £12m for a permanent crock is huge gamble)

Multiple sources don't simultaneously all decide to make up the same story at exactly the same time to "stir the pot". Clearly a Rafa camp briefing as he's not happy and wants to remind Ashley and Charnley that they need start meeting their end of the bargain. Couldn't disagree more. Many times one media outlet has ran with a story and the rest pick up on it very quickly and without clarification or validation deliver the same with slight twists, even though its based on absolutely nothing. You really think Rafa has the hump with the club over Willy & Tammy? You are very naive if you genuinely think this. Rafa was absolutely furious in January and is a seasoned pro at playing the game with owners via the press, yet again he's identified target and the club is failing to get them over the line, of course he will be p*ssed off. How have so many forgotten the Keegan fiasco? If Rafa is spitting his dummy over a loan kid and a benchwarmer keeper then i struggle to understand his thinking. Its not like we've missed out on anyone shit hot and a bargain price. Transfers are never the case of saying i want that one and it arriving next day delivery. The club could offer the asking price and a bit more, offer over inflated wages and a fleet of tractors and the players lass tell him she'd rather live in London so signs for Cockney FC Est. 2003. Also, if Rafa goes running to the papers every time he doesn't get his own way, he won't last long and the board will surely think they have grounds to terminate his contract without compensation. At this stage it seems very childish for Rafa to act like this, I understand end of the winter window when deals fell through, but the timing is premature if instigated by our manager.

Multiple sources don't simultaneously all decide to make up the same story at exactly the same time to "stir the pot". Clearly a Rafa camp briefing as he's not happy and wants to remind Ashley and Charnley that they need start meeting their end of the bargain. Couldn't disagree more. Many times one media outlet has ran with a story and the rest pick up on it very quickly and without clarification or validation deliver the same with slight twists, even though its based on absolutely nothing. You really think Rafa has the hump with the club over Willy & Tammy?

Really not sure on this, do think its mostly if not all about the press seizing an opportunity to stir the pot as fuck all else is going on. The deals he's supposed to be pissed off at are weak. Tammy was a kid on loan who'll get more game time at Swansea whilst if rumours are true his parent club preferred that move. Willy was a backup keeper for a top club, he's swapped one expensive bench & daft money for another. Says it all about his character, is this the type of character we want? Lejeune is really the only one of concern, why such a prime target is taking its time, and yet we still may end up getting him (ATM still looks likely) Add to that Carr leaving this week, this time last year no signings had been made and us and 13 other premiership clubs have signed one player or less means right now there's fuck all to suggest we're in any kind of situation, apart from Sunday rags looking for an angle to print some bullshit and or clicks. Then again its Ashley, we know Rafa will use the press to manipulate (keep going with that and Ashley will sack him btw) and there was talk of investment and takeover...the latter could put the anchors on any deals coming in.

Guess this is why Rafa is about to resign.

Because we don't have the money to pay for him. Our financial year starts on July 1st. So we can only sign players on a new FY? Where did the money for Atsu come from? Discounting the 6m on him, we still have a 24m net profit from last season? We also had a high wage bill to pay for and less TV money. Didn't Ashley have to put more money in to service the club? Also Atsu had to be bought or the fixed fee would expire.

Because we don't have the money to pay for him. Our financial year starts on July 1st. There is that as well.

I believe that's incorrect. I know what you are saying, but doesn't that just means they can announce, it doesn't mean in our case they will, or that a player contractually moves from certain Countries. Like i said in another thread its basically the end of financial year in regards to players, its when contracts expire, if anything all should be like this, it makes more sense.

TBF its the right way to do it, its the day contracts expire. It's basically end of financial year player wise.

I believe that's incorrect.

If that was the case we would have waited to announce Atsu too. Our window is open though, European isn't. Same happened with cabaye iirc. Everyone panicking that it's fell through but it was done deal and we just weren't being told. I think it was him.

Is this not all done and dusted to go through on the 1st but as usual the club aren't saying anything as the don't feel the need too?

Awful signing that wasn't necessary.

Did some good, did some bad. Enjoy retirement, no hard feelings.

Welcome back OCK.

That helps Well it gets him in the shop window for the season plus I'd imagine they will be paying his wages. Just like De Crock, Save it & manual rivet

That helps

Fuck him. I can see why this has been delayed, im with the club, don't pay it.

We need a signing to settle everyone down. As it stands were actually weaker than we ended the season. Incredible really when Rafa stated he wanted bodies early so they can settle in.

Takeover next month, doesn't feel like it's the right move.

Fucking epic. What a guy

The answer is 'my targets are whoever you want Rafa, mate.... can I please be your friend?'

Got a feeling he'll do well considering whatever budget and players he'll get to work with. Bristol was relatively a long time ago, well for a football manager, and he's done a great job up there. He can stabilise the club, but I think that's only if you count the first year being a year out and rebuilding. Second season is where it's at for them, they've next to no hope in promotion next season.