James

He is going to wind up dead soon

https://www.thestatszone.com/january-transfer-spending-premier-league Pretty much backs my point the last three years the teams that signed on average less player survived and those that signed more players got relegated.

Still think we need a GK, LB, No. 10 and striker. Definitely a keeper and a striker. But all 4 at once in Jan is a step too far. Dummett and Manquillo aren’t anywhere near perfect but the defence is starting to settle again, and the new guy wouldn’t be Rafa-drilled plus have other miscellaneous shortcomings (hence being available for sale in January). Number 10 - someone posted some Perez stats this weekend of our results when he starts. He is not a dream number 10 but bringing someone else in is again potentially disruptive to what are in fact some very good stats - plus he is Rafa-drilled, plus I have no confidence of any decent number 10 being available to us this month.

You shouldn’t overhaul a squad in January as it can make a team quite disrupted and off form and with less than half a season left that would be a problem. We want at most 3 first teamers. If a loan is the best option then so be it.

Ritchie is probably the best corner taker we’ve had for over 10 years. When we are struggling for striker goals that can not be overlooked. His work rate, pressing, interceptions and general team play is also good he just isn’t the perfect winger. Someone to keep well involved until the tide turns at this club - but he does need a bit of form again right now like early on in the season.

Unless you have only followed the club since Ashley took over there is no way any favourite player should be from that period.

Rafael Marquez

Someone give these lyrics to Craig David!

I would be the first to say that I am an odd guy. But I find some of the unhappy posts in this thread very odd. Go figure.

Looking forward to seeing Ciaran Clark on a bicycle with a flamingo in the next programme

1-0 Dummett

If the new owners have genuine ambition and are prepared to spend BIG in January then we may need a new manager bounce to ensure we stay in this league. Love Rafa but Ancelotti is also available.

Either back Rafa or sack Rafa to be honest the status quo isn’t working (although I really hope we can back him) In my opinion hippo head would have been our manager again by now had the takeover not been on the cards.

Just win

I take it you haven heard the story of when Shearer outskilled Ginola the lashes the ball into the top corner and said he doesn’t need to use those skills. Shearer was clearly 1000 times more gifted than HBA I worship Big Al as the next toon fan, but HBA is football personified. Magic. That feeling of unadultarated lust you feel at 1:59AM before last call for whomever is in the vicinity. What codswallop. Shearer was in 1996 clearly amongst the top 3 most talented players in the world. Ben Arfa has never even broken the top 100

I take it you haven heard the story of when Shearer outskilled Ginola the lashes the ball into the top corner and said he doesn’t need to use those skills. Shearer was clearly 1000 times more gifted than HBA

Looking forward to him telling takksport about the statue we had built of him last time round

Why, man? I love KK but it would be completely unnecessary. Not to mention that he's completely unqualified. Cringe. You can surround him with highly qualified people on the business side. Allow him to lead and set the direction of the club. Keep us facing forward no matter who the manager is. Regardless it will be good to see legends like him and Shearer welcomes back into the periphery of the club

I think Shelvey Atsu and Lascelles were all being saved for tonight. Will be interesting to see who gets rested tonight.

Dream for me would be Kevin Keegan back as chairman

Usual desert island question. On top of that you have a choice of being stranded with Gary Neville or Phil Neville. Who do you choose?

We will sign Josh Murphy, a random 31 year old Italian GK who will do a howler on his debut, Josh King, and Danny Ings

Completely not a Rafa player

I was going to post an angry response until I read your last sentence. It is true I briefly considered recommending him for the tea lady position but felt it was a bit too high powered for him and that he would struggle with the pressure of filling the shoes of legendary Kath Cassidy

I would not be against the possibility of Charley staying on in some capacity at least in the interim, albeit in a more behind the scenes supporting role. The role of assistant tea lady would be great for him.