toontownman

Supposing the unthinkable happend and we signed Roux I could see us heading back for Maiga in January or the summer, whenever we offload Best/Loven.

Two words: Kieron Dyer

Pardew needs a left back and a striker there's no question about that. But if we've performed badly then a lot of it has been down to his long ball tactics which don't fit the players we have brought into the club. So far results have been good so we can say the ends justify them means. The jury is still out for me on Pardew though, I'll be interested to see if he makes the required changes necessary once we've got a proper left back in. I've got my fingers crossed that our long ball stuff is caused by our fullbacks not being good enough to generate a vibrant wing and our strikers offering nothing to hold up, play off or link the midfield. Cabaye has also been playing too deep to penetrate (LOL) anything from the middle. Still early doors. It's after 10 games we should have a perfect tactical insight I think. I'll be generous and say it's because of our limited full backs Pardew is playing the long ball game as a tactic rather than he doesn't have a clue how to set up a passing team. If I was a manager for example, the first thing I'd do was tell my goalkeeper to throw the ball to the full backs to start a move rather than hoof it down the pitch to two big twats I'd selected specifically to play the long ball game. I don't know where this notion of pardew being a long merchant has come fom he built decent fluid attacking and passing teams at West Ham and Reading. Didn't he actually talk about that being a priority when he started with us? I lose track given every new manager talks up the attractive crowd pleasing football.

Injured tonight? Thought he would start, clearly needs games and confidence.

Bloody immense tonight. That save... still dont know how he got his hand to it. Mick has it spot on.

Be happy to see either Best or Lovenkrands leave, obviously the latter going first. Bit of a harsh Knee-jerk with Best after today as he clearly looked sapped of confidence. That said Best is the only one likely to garner interest out of the two so probably why he would go first. Can`t see Lovenkrands going anywhere released on a free.

Have to disagree with Pardews inability to get the team playing from the back. As already mentioned I think its a problem with LB especially right now. We were playing some neat stuff last year with Enrique bringing the ball out. Colo and Taylor will both bring the ball through too, although it is a scary moment when they do. Simpson was certainly much better with Barton infront of him too. Tonight especially we missed the connectiveness of Barton ahead of Simpson, Raylor being out of position and Marveaux being a completely different player to Jonas. We also hugely missed Tiote. I agree that it was disturbing we had to revert to hoofing but I think it was a panic option because we werent getting through any other way.

Havent worked out where the hell we should play him. Granted he looks rusty as fuck, so I am willing to give him a decent amount of time. He doesnt seem like an out and out lone striker and we surely have better choices for either flank when Marveux and Ben Arfa are up to speed.

This. Where the f*** has this Dempsey link come from anyway? 2 and 2 together after Klinsman implied that he was looking to leave Fulham.

Like Yorkies post. Got time for Lovenkrands, just nowhere near the first team.

Roux, Pieters, Santon and Dempsey.. easy as chips.

This, impressive tonight, although clearly needs games to adapt to the league. Really quick feet and some great spreading of the ball. Canny signing.

Nice effort today, should get plenty more chances this season.

It was pretty appalling like, but at the same time, he needs games. Give him a chance. This. Bad day at the office but got in some good areas. Looks too eager to impress, needs to chill out and use his head a bit more.

All three. They are coming..

Between a rock and a hard place ever since we listed him. Taking him off and the board lose face. It is clear pardew wants to keep him but we have no choice but to accept offers under the position joeys has placed himself (with help from the goons upstairs).

Fuck me. If we sign Calton fucking Cole....

Olympic call up on the cards?

Lock.

Only at this club can we win a derby and talk about capitalising on the positive vibes flowing by bringing in a couple of players only to turn around and sell one of our best. Why would he? He already knows a big club won't come in. He is perfectly happy here by his own admission, ball is in his court. Why leave for a club like QPR now when he can pick up a bigger signing on fee next summer. He isn't be frozen out here, infact It's clear he is a starter for pardew. Another season playing like last years and a bigger club than QPR will be in for him. which bigger club would that be? Bigger than QPR? Can see anyone outside the top 4 taking him for nothing if he has another season as good as the last. Big ask for him to do that and stay trouble free though.

Why would he? He already knows a big club won't come in. He is perfectly happy here by his own admission, ball is in his court. Why leave for a club like QPR now when he can pick up a bigger signing on fee next summer. He isn't be frozen out here, infact It's clear he is a starter for pardew. Another season playing like last years and a bigger club than QPR will be in for him.

If Barton leaves we better get Barnetta in.

Think he will turn it down tbh.

Bruce out Hughes/O'Neil in within a month.

Would cost over 8m IMO, probably more like 10.