toontownman

Not particularly comfortable viewing in that second half but the type of approach we will always get from Benitez teams coupled with the professionalism.

LaBemba looking solid... long may that continue. Gouffran looks like he is done for the day. Good half, obviously we need the second or more but have been in control and played some nice football in general. Conservative but considered.

The Rebirth

Shit ton of pace in that Derby team. Could be run ragged this evening.

That's a Premier League specific rule isn't it? I'm sure we agreed it though anyway. Nope was in the terms of the loan agreement. I don't think it's a rule either is it? I mean it absolutely could be, I just thought it was a gentleman's agreement between the clubs.

Gouffran > Perez this season on the left. Perez looks stupidly lightweight and pathetic. Hopefully he adapts and Atsu integrates quickly too. Gouffran surely isn't the answer.. Unless the question has changed?

From possible win to probable loss in one move. Colback. Hopefully he realises this is a chance to impress and plays better than normal. Surprised lazaar is on the bench. Murphy and atsu into the squad for Tuesday maybe.

Yeah Toney too!

Quick delete all trace of the interview. We just got Jonjo looking like he is getting back to form, those comments will send him back six months again.

Harsh on Nolan tbh. If Kevin had ginis fitness and speed he would have been and England starter. The comparisons come from the fact gini offers something every now and again running into the box and through the centre. I thought we had finally bought an upgraded Nolan after his four goal haul. Truth is he is far less vocal and involved generally than Nolan and somehow even more invisible when we didn't have the ball. Nolan was consistently far more of a threat through the middle imo. We miss it.

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.