Mr Logic

I'm prepared to be patient. I appreciate some of what Wullie says but, without meaning to denigrate him, also feel it is too simplistic. IF we do manage to finish 8th, 7th or 6th, and bring further players in next season, who is to say a genuine crack at Europe is not on the cards for 2012/13. The fact that Ashley no longer communicates anything to the fans leaves us rather in the dark as to what his intentions are. Arguably he never communicated much anyway. We have his past misdemeanors to go by, some of which are frequently taken out of context, exaggerated or twisted to serve varying points. You can take a bleak view, or you can try and view things through rosy tinted spectacles. But a middle of the road approach would allow for some cautious optimism. None of us truly know what the plan is anymore, we just go off our opinions - which rather like prejudice are preformed. There is a tendency to always twist things to fit with your preconceptions. I for one am waiting to see what happens next, right now I am satisfied the team will be stronger next season, even at this moment.. come the end of the season if we sell the likes of Tiote or Ben Arfa then I will despair and surrender to bleakness.

Looks like an earring been pulled out Some sort of blood test given the title of the series, surely. Given the title of the series - I initially thought Joey might have gone off on one.

Gone fishing..

Can't guess at figures, but Pardew probably shouldn't have used the term transfer fees. It will be signing on fees and agent fees. Probably running into millions in both cases.

Wasn't he having a sly little poke at our own situation vis-à-vis Nolan?

Most of us would have little problem picking a front 6 from our current players, two more of quality in and it becomes an interesting headache with considerable strength on the bench. So I can't see two quality attackers coming in, maybe one good, one development? And fingers crossed any departures get adequately replaced, that is possibly more important.

Shane Long then.

But a lot of numpties who only read the Chronicle once a week and don't follow football outside going to the game ever other week would have wondered who Ben Arfa was.

That's hardly what he said.. What I heard. But you're cherrypicking. There was a lot more said than that. Can't quote verbatim now - have to hope for listen again. You don't think Pardew wanted to keep Nolan?? Quite honestly, I think he was happy enough to lose him, wouldn't have minded him being here another year maybe but that in itself posed problems. My feeling.

That's hardly what he said.. What I heard. But you're cherrypicking. There was a lot more said than that. Can't quote verbatim now - have to hope for listen again.

That's hardly what he said..

Strong question re Nolan, Pards just saying they couldn't meet his (Nolan's) terms.

Skirge has texted

Full first team squad is Thursday. Was just reserve and asessment today... Taylor and Williamson were there today..

Hopes he returns for the first day of training? Well that was today, and this can't be recorded as phone-ins so did Jose not show today then?

Based on the clip posted on .co.uk Has to offer more from the bench than Perch or Smith in midfield.

Can see him making the bench this coming season as the squad stands right now.

Photoshop time, predict Barton's new hairstyle and win a signed photo

Get 2 more shirts, one with Smith, one with Shola.

If Enrique leaves, increasingly likely by latest reports, then I hope to fuck they've got plans above and beyond N. Taylor. He was most likely fine as a reserve LB preparing to fill in at a later stage, but doubt very much he's ready to step straight into the breach.

Yep, you're only allowed to comment if you find it amusing.

Good post Stu, we'll never know now I guess.

Just noticed the ref has 'penalty' written across each shoulder, what's that about?

Robhino looks like he's due on stage to sing rock 'n' roll sometime in the 50's

Well they all look the same. /flatliner (or whatever his name was)