Theregulars

I don't think so, he has a release clause. Rafa can figure a way around that. Rafa is above the law. Depends entirely on the wording. I've not seen whether it's automatic must sell or they get to talk to him. Either way, crap move for him if he goes but all the best and good effort.

This, so much.

Rafa could always say no.

I hope PSG and Palace decide to have a pre-season friendly and he rapes Pardew, not even metaphorically, I actually hope he drags Pardew onto the pitch, pulls down his pants, then slips his nob into Pardew's back crack and pounds him. So that's how it works.

Scoring and/or assisting can be useful attributes, mind.

At least it will be once they iron out the details of the deal.

Always thought it was for advertising purposes, stands out more.

That did not get the credit it deserved. Well done Ian, you win a very small iPod.

What the f*** for? Total career suicide. Because they are horrible people to work for. Did 18 months there, the whole place was like a dogging yard for Keys and Gray-esque bantorians and silicone-enhanced bottom feeders who once slept with someone who they think played for Ipswich in the mid-90s. And Mark Stein's nephew - he was alright.

Sorry that was really twatish pedantry. Arnold J. Rimmer himself would have approved.

That's a back five.

Here lads, I think that LeBron James is quite good at bouncy hoop throw.

Not that I want to defend him but if I played under that set-up for three years - the constant lack of ambition, not fielding a competitive team and managerial appointments as inspiring as James Milner's future autobiography - I'd probably hold my hand up and say I want out too. Sadly think he'll do well at a club where he's motivated and he isn't the only player capable of making something happen. Doesn't justify his lack of effort at times, but he's human.

I would not be surprised if we did not actually offer him anything but were happy to set up the story that way as a good will gesture and to save him some face. I don't believe for an instant that Rafa wanted him around. The only way there's truth to it in my opinion is if the offer was on the basis of being emergency cover and to help the younger players.

Not a great appointment in my opinion. The jury is still out on him as a manager. They need a wholesale reformer and a personality who will fill the lifeless void that is their club, I don't think he is either of those things.

To strain or not to strain; that is the question.

Lucas Atkin: I want to be overpaid to put only occasional effort into my job over the penultimate year of my contract and then be allowed by my employer to move to a destination of my choice with no benefit to them and regardless of their personnel needs.

Leaving his ethical shortcomings aside, he's indisputably been one of the best five defenders we've had since the Premiership began. I'd say that the decision to move on - should it come - is probably one year too late; it's just been exacerbated by our poor recruitment policy not signing a centre half to partner him to complement his skill set/mask his weaknesses. He's been here what 8 years? Thinking beyond the likely acrimonious exit, I'd say he has done more good than bad in his time here. He'd get a firm handshake and a thanks as opposed to a hug, but I don't despise him.

Oxygen thief. Serve him to Mitrovic for supper.

Anyone want to tell Nike they got the socks the wrong way round on the England kits?

1. Nice chap 2. Arsehole employers 3. Grossly incompetent nonetheless (and predictably so) 4. Move on. He doesn't deserve blame for the rotting cancer the club has become - he's a symptom, not a cause - but within those constraints he was totally found out and showed up for what he is - yesterday's man, unable to inspire modern footballers and tactically limited.

I agree. I think he'll resign.

There was a telling moment where that assistant manager of ours was giving Mitrovic instructions before he came on. He ran on halfway through the sentence, just ignored him.

Spot on. He didn't bother.

Or does he jog back into it?