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Didn't watch, but heard that. Still, it's a big move. Shows a lot of confidence from both sides. Not so much in Kelly, mind. Exciting, though.

Wow.

That's a bugger. Any clue how he got on in the mean time?

And if they can't do the job against Bromley, we shouldn't delude ourselves into thinking we can compete on three or four fronts.

Trying to look at it that way myself. I don't think Kelly is as bad as people have it in their heads - he can't be, frankly. Was looking forward to Schär pinging throughballs, mind.

Unreal that we've signed a Trippier replacement without even sweating. He's just going to get better.

Very much so. Glad it looks like a corner's been turned. I think he's one of the most important signings in my lifetime, so I really want things to wind down in a way that he's happy to come back in the future, as a guest if nothing else.

Aye. I'm probably one of the most willing to stick up for him on here, but I don't think you can ever criticise the decision to sell him as we did - I know most people are joking, but anyone serious needs to give their head a shake. Now I think about it, I wonder if his sale gave us some false confidence re: the ease of buying players and worrying about balancing our PSR debt further down the road.

Not done this for a while, but to keep track, we're currently -1 point based on like for like fixtures played last season. Big opportunity to change that in the next two games - we got nothing from Man U and Tottenham last season. Then an important fortnight for us in the second half of January: Wolves H Bournemouth H Southampton A (in place of Sheff Utd) Fulham H We got 10 points out of 12 from those fixtures last season, but it feels like it will be an achievement to repeat that this year.

Good shout actually, I've noticed that a lot less than I used to. Although, I was always impressed that he never actually got in trouble for it, so had to assume he was just a master of walking the disciplinary line.

Massive opportunity. Let's not forget we already beat them there last season 3-0...

Nothing really that I'm aware of, but he's not tugging his forelock all the time so that rubs up some people up the wrong way. On the upside he seems to be loving his time here. No sense of him being wistful...

I get the impression it's his way of trying to mix in with the lads and be part of things, to be fair. Can imagine it would've been a disaster in the Dyer/Bramble days, mind.

Your posts have done a good job of summing up my thoughts on it all. I don't believe we live in the best of all possible worlds, but that doesn't mean Eddie is a terrible manager who is easily improved upon either. Plenty of the greatest managers have stumbled upon things have changed careers, but they've been in the position to stumble because they've kept trying and had enough about them for their players to keep trying too. Anyway, looks like we've built up a real head of steam. There's a serious chance of us picking up 6 wins on the bounce - you have you have to go back to Sept-Nov last year to see anything like that kind of form.

Have to give credit to him. I know overall they've been easy enough games for his part, but he's looked composed and contributive - not just like he's getting away with it.

To be serious, signing him when his reputation is at its lowest ebb in a long time is probably something the club's keen on. Similar to Isak after a poor season in Spain. We should know better than most that bad management can make good defenders look like shit.

It's not really an Almiron phase as he's been doing this for ages. It's genuinely part of his game. He's been producing bonkers statistics over periods of time for the past three seasons now. I forget the exact fact, but the past two seasons have both had something like 15 game runs where if he started we won (or at least didn't lose).

This has always been my view. I was surprised at how well he did last season, but I think it's in his nature that he will practice and practice and eventually become a very respected finisher in the game.

Was thinking more of the fans than the players. But agree they should come into this knowing it's a serious battle - and hopefully the West Ham result will itself help concentrate minds.

Reminiscent of our confidence going into the West Ham game...

Some of these numbers getting thrown around are really silly.

I'm sure you're right about the first part, but buying anyone now rather than last August makes them not far off 50% cheaper in terms of this year's PSR balance. I believe we did have wiggle room to buy in August without a sale, just not £50m's worth, so throwing in a Miggy deal ought to make it work for us. As I've said before though, on balance I'm pretty happy with us not spending this January. I'd only really change that for a special opportunity like a distressed sale.

I don't think it's that, to be fair. Don't think Eddie would've sounded so positive about him at other times if that was the case. I think he's just young, energetic and irritating. Not exactly Dan Burn's speed. Looks a bit like our Brazilians have become his minders, which is good of them. Was more interested in Willock getting all the fines, to be honest.

I know what you mean, but he's no poacher - when he scores, they're typically absolute beauties. But then he's not the classic lazy skillful winger either - he always tries his hardest and means the best for the club. He's a puzzle.

There is, unfortunately 75% top class international, 25% novelty condom. But you have to love him. Not someone I'm in any hurry to see leave.