toontownman

I'm all for ashley bashing with the many things he has done to us and the club. He has a long way to go to prove he will do what's best for this club and earn any type of long term respect. However, i am not sure why or how this is an ashley stunt or what he has to do with this transfer? We haven't sold our best player against the managers wishes, it's not a shock. Benitez has pretty much said all summer if the price is right we will sell. Unless you know otherwise ashley isn't involved in the day to day running of the club. I don't care which owner we could have this transfer was going to happen. The fact we got so much for Sissoko is great, so should we give ashley credit for that as well while we gaze into the crystal ball show ashley stealing into the night at some point in the future 30m in hand, refusing to let benitez spend any money ever again. There is good reason to be sceptical about us spending that money over the next two windows, although we have spent an incredible amount of the past two years to say otherwise with managers with far less respect by the fans and at boardroom level. I just feel there is a thin line between scepticism and scare mongering.

Only two worries I would have are his fitness, that his injury problems are behind him and he isn't too lightweight for the league. Looks a talent playing at his best. Can player across the park in midfield too which could be handy. Played lots at Malaga the second half of last season so hopefully his injury problems are behind him.

Or is staying.. Either way there is a good chance of one happening.

I'm sorry I don't have that authority.

Announced tmrw morning! Think we have Gouffran to thank for this. Think his emergence has made us think twice about getting another striker and winger as reported.

We had before this transfer.

Part of the hitch in the Spurs/Everton deal is that we throw in Colback for free. Spuds already pulled out.

Equivocal. You can't have a million percent you divvy. It's science.

What's to forgive? If we are successful the majority of supporters would probably get to the point of singing his name. No different to McManaman if he came and did well. Fans are fickle. Myself I don't see the point in negativity for the sake of negativity and holding a grudge. He's out of the circle of trust but if he earns his way back in consistently then he will have my respect for that. It seems unlikely.

Hope we have another winger lined up if Sissoko does leave. Only two proper wingers in the squad that are fit right now (one being an unconfirmed atsu)

Fully expect a transfer request and forced loan. I am surprised he hasn't handed one in and made a commotion to force a cheaper move already. Toys will be strewn everywhere within reach of his pram come weds if no-one comes in. Who will blink first? Does rafa really want a player that won't be interested in playing for us if he stays? Anything over 20m and I reckon we will cave. Considering we would have been ecstatic with 15m before the summer it wouldn't be worst case scenario.

"It's about winning and entertaining - particularly at Wembley, entertaining the fans is very, very important," he said. Via bbc.com Aye, didn't he say similar about SJP when he took over here? Turned out well.

Tin hat on here. Bar the loathsome simulation and haidara-gate episode he really isn't as bad as some are making out here. If he signs they will do a bit haidara makes peace article.. if he plays to his potential this thread will get embarrassing by the end of the year. I don't think he is a world beater but in form he offers similar to ritchie in terms or work rate and ability to take players on and deliver. He is just as effective either wing and has played through the centre too. He is an excellent dribbler but might overdo it at times. What I dislike is the simulation and petulant part of his play. Riles me when Perez and tiote have done it in the past. I fully agree with lots of the cunt accusations but getting past that potentially he would be a very good signing for the championship and would give a balance to our wings imo.

Before haidara-gate I thought he was pretty highly rated and looked good? Don't think he has ever kicked on other than in anger since. Don't think he is slow but not lightening quick by any stretch of the imagination.

Still feel we lack creativity through the middle and if ritchie gets cracked we still lack decent backup. Would like atsu and one more that can cover wings/number 10. I guess quotes have pointed to gayle being able to play out wide and Perez could fill that role too.

Shame Tiote deal fell through. Deal for Lee catts as his replacement was ready to go.

Could play a decent bit part role if he stays imo. Instantly looked better when rafa played him in his proper position/role and kept it simple. Not that we ever see them all motivated and playing together but imagine the beast midfield if they stayed and rafa got them playing to their best. Tiote Sissoko Diame

Shocked you seen him with him being in Dummett's pocket all game. http://www.mybizperforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Ringo-hole-in-pocket-yellow-submarine.jpg http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVuDeAjXHvA/VXl50n68nrI/AAAAAAAAJ-4/tW9CMKcUXm4/s1600/RepairPocket1.jpghttp://www.nufc.co.uk/javaImages/57/23/0,,10278~14820183,00.jpg Fwiw thought dummett did have a good game and dealt with him pretty well.

Diame and Sissoko in the same team. Power overload. Think all kinds of antics will be afoot come deadline day. Reckon he will hand in a transfer request before all is said and done. Don't see us budging for anything less than 25m.

Wait I thought Townsend moving to palace = guaranteed England call up. Going well andros. Think he would have been in had he stayed and had torn it up in his first few games here.

Don't believe Sissoko will still be here after Wednesday. I'd like another player that is creative that can play on the wings and through the centre. There is talk of another winger after atsu but I think it will only happen as a Sissoko replacement rather than Aarons cover.

Lazaar is definitely comfortable on the wing or at LB. I thubj we will bring at least one more winger in, hopefully two with at least being able to play as an creative AM.

Looked just fine. Needs minutes. Could tell he was a climatizing and feeling the game out. Will add something different to anita and yedlin/Sterry while hopefully passing on some experience. Amazing to have depth.

Hope we bring in decent cover because we are a much poorer team without him.

Think it's more a case of skipping down the list to a plan f or g : an experienced short term backup, and then getting one of the top of the listers when we are a more attractive option (hopefully Jan or summer). We could alternatively spend a lot more money now and have a long term deal for someone that is a lower on our list (a plan d or e) and will be harder to shift when we need someone better in the premiership.