chicago_shearer

Difficult to say, but the game on Saturday should tell us a lot about where the team is. I'm undecided on whether this is a 12th placed team or a 6th placed team.

I hope so. Maybe not this year, but soon. Just once, I want to see those glory hunting twats have a really bad season, not just 2nd or 3rd place.

27 is a bit old IMO. If we are making Euro 2008 fantasy signings then I'd rather have Arda Turan or Podolski (if Bayern sign Berbatov and he becomes available).

Fucking hell. Insane. That is a 'wow' signing as far as I'm concerned.

It never fails to amaze me how after watching the press conference you are left with the exact opposite impression than the article is trying to make.

Remember back in the Colo 'will he won't he' thread when Coloccini shirts in the club online shop was considered the definitive proof of his signing? Because no club would be stupid enough to sell shirts of a player they hadn't officially signed? http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/2008/08/dumb_football_c_1.html#more

In a similar vein, how much does the contemporary Ginola look like Rik Mayall? I was thinking the same thing.

I'm just tired of this transfer season and all the speculation. I want it to be over so we can talk about what happened instead of what might, could, should. They will either get the players in we need & emerge triumphant or they won't sign them and fail, no excuses. Roll on Monday.

With the squad as small as it is, Keegan should draw up a list of the players at Villa & Everton (and/or Liverpool) that would improve our squad and make it clear to the interested clubs that the only way Milner leaves is if they agree to a p/x + cash deal involving one or more of the players we want. With 72 hours left, they have to realize that letting Milner go is a risk we can't afford without the guarantee of new players in.

Six points off 10th, seven points off 18th & relegation. That sort of lower mid table league position won't seem comfortable until late next year. A marginal improvement won't feel like much of an improvement at all. It isn't something we should accept, never mind be aiming for. The minimum ambition has to be 8th place. While it might not seem like a big leap in the table, it represents a big gap in points and quality. Based on last seasons table, that means an additional + 14 to 15 points as James said (so far we are +3 on last season, so a good start). But has the squad been strengthened enough to deliver that sort of improvement? With just three first team signings?

Yes please. Don't fancy this one mind, they'll be dying to get back on track after Fulham and last night was a nice confidence boost. 2-0 defeat. good team that, but yeah hard to see anything but a shoeing Hard to see anything but that XI. A better question is how you fill a 7 man bench. Harper, Bassong, Smith, Edgar, Ranger, Tozer, Donaldson? But Smith might be injured, in which case I have no idea.

And then you return to reality and remember that he is another thick footballer who earns more than any of us for doing fuck all. Your last point is the best one (although I happen to agree that we shouldn't be pandering to Barton either....we should've cancelled the cunts contract). I don't know what "reviewing" contracts every year is supposed to mean. Maybe they did "review" his contract and decided it wouldn't be appropriate to reward him with an improved deal since he hasn't improved as a player? Or is review just a euphemism for more money? James Milner has been a dependable regular who has made his own contribution to some very average, under performing performances over the last few years. He doesn't deserve a new contract, and if Villa are willing to pay 10 million then sell him. If not, then the fucker can rot in the reserves. I'm sick of this plucky, hardworking James Milner myth. He has made his own valuable contribution the failures of recent seasons.

Isn't it sort of safe to assume that the FA are going to fuck us next week and ban him for a very significant period of time? If he gets the 15 match ban they were talking about in The Times then you might as well forget about him and plan ahead.

Zamblera is a fairly highly rated Italian U-19, right? I remember following a few of the U-19 Championship matches this summer and it seemed as though a few of his colleagues were already getting first team appearances with their clubs. I'm surprised his name hasn't been mentioned more.

Straight swap, Milner for Benayoun.

Insua on season long loan, Appiah on a free. Problem solved, with no transfer fees (although we still need another striker). I am worried,

Because we'll offer him more money, City are in a well publicized shambles and history has proven that nobody really wants to sign for Everton given the choice.

Sell him to Liverpool, not Villa, for 6 or 7 million or try and get Benayoun in the deal.

What was in Coleman's water bottle? He looked horrified.

Our defending has been fucking shocking.

Jesus Christ, get Butt off

PICK THAT OUT YOU JAMMY FUCKERS

I hope we fucking batter them in this half. I'm glad there is no replay. Jammy, flukey chancers who deserve to get hammered.

Not a lot of RESPECT being shown to the referees in this thread, bless their souls.