James

I’m of the view that Ashley had wanted Rafa gone since summer and wanted Allardyce. The only thing that has stopped Rafa getting the sack is the knowledge that PCP would only buy if Rafa is the manager. That safety net is gone now.

What? This. If he is pissed and have no intentions of doing a deal with PCP then sacking Rafa is the ultimate fuck you. It is a completely rational possibility based on the Ashley we know.

After what Staveley said I’d say it is 50/50 whether Benitez lasts the full day without Ashley sacking him.

It is not really that vague, the person giving evidence has said under oath that he knew that Speed worked with Bennell as a kid. On the other hand though I do not think it is fair on Speed or his family for this to be mentioned in the media, should have stayed in the courtroom.

Three first teamers is the maximum we should be signing in January so I’m happy with this (as long as this is what actually happens). The best business when we have no pre season etc is to refresh and strengthen the team. Overhauling the team only makes us more likely to be relegated.

I think it is once and if we have secured our league status now tbh 5 more wins and 2 draws

Straight 2-0 a Rafa dream

Donated £1000 to a girl who had her special needs computer stolen. Good to see him in the news for positive reasons.

It was lovely that the whole of Britain got to see what a little bully that small man is on I’m a celeb last year.

Just had an email from Steve McClaren

There are only a limited number of good players available and too big a squad overhaul can impact results anyhow. Realistically not half of the clubs below and around us are going to sign the players they need to better us this season. So if we maintain our current squad and avoid injuries we will probably be fine, but will have dropped a bit to cause a sweat. Two clever signings, even loans will secure us mid table.

Curious. They were linked with Luuk de Jong a few days ago. Chief scout must be a character! Probably Graham Carr

Looking at the bottom half of the table we have the best GD and the most wins. Our position has been deflated down because we have lost too many matches rather than drawn. I think though projects us towards a 11-13th position if we retain this pattern. We will climb even further if we become a little more difficult to beat.

Over reliance on Lascelles points me towards Shawcross being a possible international we would be in a position to look at - and have genuine interest if the takeover meant the money is there.

Lovely pic though shows the bond the three had.

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