TRon

Now we know.

Sitting in 9th spot as of now. Very satisfying.

Unexpected bonus to see Guthrie in there tbh.

So Liverpool didn't come knocking then? What a surprise. Really.

If the rumours are true, then he was one of the reasons the so-called hostile environment was created. There doesn't appear to be any hostility now, although I suppose it's possible that a few senior players might have been miffed that the easy going Hughton was being replaced.

I meant the sacking of a manager who had brought us up from the Championship at the first attempt. Mick you were one of the biggest critics of Hughton when he got appointed and for a long time afterwards. I'm not even sure you thought he should be manager after promotion so I don't know how you can take that stance now.

Don't know why it 'f***s you off' like, I find it highly amusing. Because he's a massive hypocrite, really. massive in more ways than one.

This is my fear as well. There's no doubt any amount of left backs who will look great going forwards, but I'll be amazed if any are anywhere near as good defensively. Buying a replacement will not be easy.

Maybe he's not convinced by the ambit... Oh I forgot, we're not allowed to say that. I don't know then. Barton's done well but he's not Enrique. If he leaves there won't be a Liverpool waiting to sign him.

. He won't get that at Liverpool! They're trying though, which is kinda the point. Liverpool were up shit creek last season but being the jammy scouse bastards thast they are, were bailed out by the former owner taking the hit for their financial mis-management. You can't legislate for that sort of luck.

Do you honestly think any club is going to pay £15m for a player they could get for nothing in 12 months time? In the real world I would guess the price will be around £8m. Personally I would hold out for £10m otherwise make him honour his contract, but the club won't want an unhappy player and will almost certainly take less and use it to buy a new left back.

It is if he can leave for nothing at the end of the season. It was always going to be Liverpool. The moment the sour faced jock took over the reigns he was always going to cast his vulture eyes over his former club.

A lot depends on how much Pardew wants him. He got Ashley to buy ben Arfa outright and it would seem he'a keen on N'Zogbia as he fits the mould of players who get the crowd off their seats. Ashley himself is there at most games so I'm sure he'd rather watch sides with a bit of flair about them.

I was under the impression he's a goal scoring midfielder, so he'd be challenging Nolan rather than Tiote for a shirt if that's the case.

I can only assume Pardew is happy enough with Simpson at right back. Personally I think we could add a lot to our game if we had someone who could bomb forward effectively and overlap better.

Our strikers next season are going to be new guy, Best, Ameobi, Lovenkrands, and maybe Ranger. The new guy better be damn good and able to play every week. I have a feeling we will be counting on Best performing next season like he did this.

Bruce must have heard we were interested then stuck him on the wanted list.

I think managers like Cole because he's good at bringing other players into the game. Good first touch and a decent in the air. Let's face it, it's not his prowess in front of goal that gets their notice.

We have no doubts. We all love Ben Arfa I know, but for someone who have seen a lot of ben arfa and sessegnon games in France, to read that they are practically the same players is quite shocking ... If Sunderland fans think that Sessegnon is better, good for them but if Ben arfa recovers well, you'll see the difference between an average player and a genius. Every post is a contender for Post of the Decade

Yes,that wasn't your argument though,it's ridiculous to suggest he would pick a club just so he wouldn't get a crack off rival supporters. N'Zogbia has no emotional attachment to Newcastle,he is merely a former player who wanted to leave,foreign mercenarys like N'Zogbia are not bothered about local rivalry and he will go to whoever offers the biggest wage packet. No offence but the foreign mercenaries tag usually applies to players who have to be dragged to Sunderland. Was it Muntari who recently fled the club because he couldn't stand it any longer? Zog did some growing up here and he'll have a bit more attachment than your average Frenchie. Only daft money would persuade him to pick Sunderland ahead of us IMO.

That fucking idiot Moncur wanted him to replace Coloccini 18 months ago. Moncur's a dinosaur, and his "expert" opinion belongs in the stone ages.

I don't think our current wage structure will be too dissimilar to Sunderland's now we're back in the top flight. I'm not even sure Sunderland have a wage structure.

Tiote's strength is his technique, he's a very good at holding the ball under pressure and making the right pass. It's the most important aspect for any central midfielder and no amount of goals will get you into a top side without it. If Mulumbu has that much ability then Chelsea or Arsenal will be chasing him this summer. I suspect he's nowhere near as accomplished a player as Tiote though.

It looks like he's leaving, my only concern would be Bruce who's always chasing our targets. We are quite strict with our wage structure whereas Sunderland are willing to do daft deals especially if it's in competition with us. You just have to look at the Kilgannon deal last year.

Well we sold him for a stupidly low price of around £6m so it would piss me off if we paid too much more despite most people on here being more concerned at the loss of Given for a similar price. It was obvious even then which player was worth more. It has nothing to do with psychic ability.