TRon

I think the best system will be when we start passing the ball around and get crosses in from the byline or through balls from the centre. At the moment all he's had is an aerial bombardment from deep positions. Until I see him in a proper functional team it's hard to make any judgement for me.

The general consensus seems to be that even if we don't score as many we'll simply concede fewer goals. I'm unconvinced to say the least. That's not my view. I'm hoping Marveaux, Ba and Ben Arfa will score goals, Gosling should get some and if we are struggling then Maybe Vukic and Sammy will get more chances to show what they can do. But we do need another striker in.

People said the same when Carroll left and when Nolan left. I haven't seen much change tbh. I think that's down to the manager rather than the players tbh.

Read that and I totally understand that Barton is entitled to look after his financial affairs and put himself and his bank balance first. For the same reason I think we as a football club have to look after our financial affairs and make sure we don't end up like Everton. For that reason I'm very pleased that we didn't cave in to either Barton or Nolan's demands for long contracts on big money.

That's how I think we'll go in personnel but maybe we'll switch to two midfielders sitting in with Tiote and Cabaye suited to that and Marveaux playing wide right.

I'm sure you'd be delighted if we got relegated as it would vindicate your doom mongering, but if Barton is one of our best players I think we'll be okay losing that type of best player.

Good. Hopefully the money saved will be put towards buying a striker. Seriously, what the fuck is this meant to mean? That money should be available in abundance anyway. The money is available but I imagine there'll be a limit as to our spend in the transfer market. Moving Joey might just mean we are in a position to increase the bids or bring in a player in another position. What's fucking hard to understand about that?

Good. Hopefully the money saved will be put towards buying a striker.

I think Sammy and Vukic could be our saving grace if we don't sign a striker. Both have an eye for goal and showed quality that wasn't evident of some of their senior team mates. Sammy didn't just hit a super strike, his crossing and passing were clever too.

Situ seems to be a very highly rated prospect. Apparently met Alex Ferguson at some point early in his career but couldn't agree a deal. Fair play to the board if they sign him on.

The policy of brinkmanship isn't going to land us the likes of Maiga or any other important first team striker as their clubs will have no time to get in replacements. We'll have to cough up the money required or go for players who are surplus to their clubs like Bendtner. Another reason why I believe we'll not be getting the striker in.

Raylor is absolutely shocking in possession. Simpson is bad, but nowhere near as poor as Taylor. Completley disagree on that one mate. Simpson is literally scared of the ball. Actively avoids it and treats it like a hot potato when he gets it. Taylor is an excellent crosser of the ball and passes the ball averagely. he doesn't pass it, he hoofs it up the pitch 9 times out of 10 A bit like Simpson then... Simpson's not much better...but he is better.

Raylor is absolutely shocking in possession. Simpson is bad, but nowhere near as poor as Taylor. Completley disagree on that one mate. Simpson is literally scared of the ball. Actively avoids it and treats it like a hot potato when he gets it. Taylor is an excellent crosser of the ball and passes the ball averagely. he doesn't pass it, he hoofs it up the pitch 9 times out of 10

Raylor is absolutely shocking in possession. Simpson is bad, but nowhere near as poor as Taylor. Agreed. Raylor was one of the main reasons we played such shit football in the first half. When he gets closed down he just wellies it up the pitch in a blind panic. Nice free kicks but an abomination of a footballer.

Looking that way with the Roux link being put into doubt. We'll have to come up with the money for Maiga or bust IMO.

Granted but with Joey he could kick off any time behind the scenes like he did in the pre season game at Leeds. As long as he does the job on the pitch that's enough for me. He was our best player in the Leeds match and I was glad he had a go at the rest of the players as they were shite. He didn't have a go because they were shite, he was in a strop because he didn't get to take the dead ball kicks. How long will it be before he does something else stupid? He's not good enough for us to accommodate a twat who is unhappy.

without the mobility or deftness in tight areas, but better vision.

ouch!

Read the above

Not really. Without a new contract he won't be a committed squad member and will probably carry on tweeting bollocks. I think it's best he moves on and we can try and build a team spirit with a fresh start. he's looked pretty committed in the first two games this season Granted but with Joey he could kick off any time behind the scenes like he did in the pre season game at Leeds.

Not really. Without a new contract he won't be a committed squad member and will probably carry on tweeting bollocks. I think it's best he moves on and we can try and build a team spirit with a fresh start.

Good spot. I'm sure if you set the team up right he could do that role.

I'm not convinced about that. Guthrie has his faults but he's quite good with the ball at his feet and he can pick a pass. Gosling looks a lot more limited technically but he did at least show for the ball and didn't hide like Guthrie sometimes does. I'm hoping Gosling might turn out to be a Lampard type, not the most gifted but clever running off the ball. He did look crap yesterday mind.

Good point. That was an open goal and Lovenkrands totally fucked it up by not squaring the ball.

Pardew won't be allowed to sign Cole by the board. No way will they sanction a move for an overpriced over the hill player.