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It's one of those times I'm really missing him myself

Put it this way, I wouldn't rule it out. PR-wise it would have been a clean way of solving any problems while coming out as the good guys. There was a definite change in the music being played around Jan-Feb. Prior, there were regular briefings acknowledging a big sale may be required to continue our momentum. After then, the talk was all about Bruno's feelings and how we didn't need to sell. All well and good, but seemingly we actually did need a big sale, which undermines the idea the club was reluctant.

If this does happen, I can't wait to see all the wise people pointing out it wouldn't have happened if Gordon hadn't wanted the move, and he's a greedy cunt. Even though some of those same people will be upset with Miggy for not bailing us out by going to Saudi. The club, of course, is blameless either way.

Yeah, that's the last I've heard, which sounds positive to me. I'm not sure the search started that way though - I think the board weren't too certain of what they wanted the structure to be at first. I don't blame them for that either, I think it's a good thing - that they're actually thinking about it. The structure of a modern football club isn't cut and dried nowadays; I think sometimes outsiders imagine the responsibilities of various job titles as being more cookie cutter than they actually are. There should be plenty of room to flex around the talents of individuals.

I think the separation is overrated to be honest. But also I get the impression the club doesn't see a ton of clashing/hierarchy in responsibilities, beyond what is already there i.e. mutual agreement on significant signings. Rather than a situation where the DOF has the whiphand and the coach gets what he's given (or fights to overpower the structure).

From what I know of our situation - financial, fitness etc. - I'd gamble on it. Not having Europe reduces the headache.

Yeah, he's been my sneaky outside bet. And I'm optimistic about what he could do for us with more authority, he's clearly got many things going for him.

Not surprised to hear that. I would've expected it to be done and dusted by now if we truly fancied him. I've got no problem with searching on if they're not convinced by him, by the way. Better no hire than a bad hire. I'm not persuaded that 'just anyone' would've made the last 8 weeks go better.

Misunderstood you sorry I'm not an expert but they didn't look like a quick fake to me, I have to say...

Shekshy.

They weren't saying that? Oh they definitely were.

Probably won't see grass again until August as a consequence.

Know what you mean, but luckily I think he feels valued enough here, and will feel validated enough by people in the media crying out for him to start, that he'll come back intending to be better than ever next season. Not sure there's a better manager to handle that process than Eddie.

Controlling the world is a bit of a stretch from controlling their own intelligence assets, though.

I agree with everything you say except I think even if Eddie thought he was that good, it looks like he'd probably be sold. Just seems to be the situation we're in, and the alternative appears to be losing great players who are already integral to our squad.

People inventing valuations out of thin air e.g. "there's no way he's worth £40m, £25m sounds about right". But if the conversation started at £25m, I guarantee half those people would say "there's no way he's worth £25m, £17m sounds about right". People whose opinion is entirely directed by the framing of an issue.

Now that we can take Calvert off the table, if that's legit, it is a heck of a deal. I don't like selling him in the slightest, but it's a very justifiable decision and a massive vindication of whoever was responsible for us signing him. It gives us scope to sign ten new potential Mintehs, if you think of it that way.

It's a good point and one of the weird things about PSR. I agree Eddie looks pretty perfect for Minteh's career given his profile, and it's not just a club being forced to lose a player they want but a player being forced to leave a manager who could help make his career. Transfers going badly can break a kid's career.

Good morning

In a marketplace where your moves are being scrutinised and learned from by your competitors, it's exactly how business (sometimes) works. Happens in politics all the time - want something to not be spoken about, give the press something else to chew on or they'll get hungry. Not saying that's definitely the case here, but I think we're much happier letting some pursuits be known about than others.

We've really got a thing for left sided centre backs right now.

My mind went there too but the tweet is from April, so false alarm.

Fuck's sake.

Well, we're not going to be playing more than one game a week for almost all of next season, so just on that basis he'd be quite suitable...