TRon

and brummie always laid into Reo-Coker as well which I didn't think was 100% warranted. Maybe it takes relegation and spending 6ok a week on other teams cast-offs to appreciate players values with a level head.

It depends what your definition of "shit" is in all honesty. No one is daft enough to think we've signed the next Ronaldo, but just how many decent right wingers are out there in England at the moment? Milner and Bentley are probably considered among the best and they weren't short of their critics either IIRC.

Pancrate's deal expires this Summer. It was only a "to the end of the season" deal. Aye that's what I meant. Either way he'll be gone, and Ambrose would be a good replacement imo. What I've seen of Ambrose this season hasn't exacly made my heart race, so can't say I've any interest in seeing us splashing money on him if we make it up to the Premiership tbh. He's only scored 11 goals like. A goalscoring midfielder that hasnt played as well as his goals would suggest, Nolan anybody?... The difference is Ambrose can run. Not saying I want him signed but it puts into perspective the "best player in the Championship" tag for Nolan.

I wouldn't argue too much about much in your post but that bit is wrong. The one quality he does have is the ability to pick a pass, if anything he's looked constantly off the pace in his time here, maybe because he's been injured, or injuring someone else. He's a good player but I'm not sure he has the appetite for the game any more.

Shame. We could have done with a big physical defender in there tbh.

Coloccini was Mike Ashley's trophy signing back in the day when he hadn't earned a reputation as a tight-fisted fat cockney. He sanctioned quite a few big wage signings at the time although this is quite a hazy memory for some.

I haven't seen that much of him tbh, although he was very lively against us. Seems like a right-sided Jonas in that he's very quick and direct, maybe not the best end product though. Bar the top few sides in the Premier that could probably be said about a lot of wide players, even in that division. I think it's a cracking signing personally.

What prompted the change?

Read that he refused to play, nothing wrong with him Not encouraging. Quite understand GG's bitterness. On the contrary I quite like his display of cuntishness, it means he has a strong belief in his own ability. Just as long as he's not deluded as well.

Just looking back on page 1 of this thread I was surprised to see that our interest in Perch was documented as far back as October, in The People no less. Looks like Oliver is still getting tip offs from the caretaker.

Got a feeling Kilgallon will go on and prove to be higher value player but we need bodies in and so am happy at least we've pushed through a deal. He'll play an important part this season so that's worth paying a bit extra for alone.

Beckford was IIRC a Shearer target, and I'm fairly confident that Hughton is/was still pursuing a couple of those on Shearer's list as well. That hardly amounts to Hughton having no say whatsoever in any future targets since he's been made manager which is what I think you are implying. It might be the case...but more likely IMO that Hughton is given a small budget and then he identifies who he wants then Ashley fails to get them.

I never said Llambias and Ashley were picking the players so I don't know where you got that from, but I do think they will have hired an agency to do the job Wise was supposed to do and Hughton will have little say in who the targets are (but will probably identify the areas we need players for). You do realise the 2 players you highlighted as Hughton targets are Simpson who was loaned mid August and Williamson who we were linked with back then too. 2 months before Hughton got the "manager" job and 2 weeks after he said: Or was he just lying as he masterminded it all? It was Chris Hughton who was caretaker manager at that time right? In which case you would think he might have made suggestions as to who he would like within Ashley's budget? Or are you absolutely certain that Hughton has no input whatsoever and just trains the players who are expertly bought in by Ashley/Llambias through this agency?

I wonder how much of the transfer budget went on him? He might be on loan but he'll be costing a few bob in wages. When you are playing with limited funds it's important to make sure every decision is taken carefully. Doesn't look like it's the case here.

That might be true, he wasn't the best, but it's one thing getting rid of players, it's another replacing them with someone better. Jenas, Duff, Milner and N'Zogbia all came in for grief from fans but they're all playing in the premier while we aren't.

It would be ITK if it hadn't already been reported on SSN but nice effort anyway.

Don't see Danny Simpson or Williamson on there. While it makes for a nice chuckle to think that Llambias and Ashley are picking players off some random list, in reality I would think Hughton has some input.

I'd rather he broke his foot at Villa than here tbf. Seems like a bit of a crock.

I would have agreed with that last week, but with Taylor out we need a big commanding CB in as a matter of urgency. Colo and Kadar are very good defenders but neither is exactly a beast in the air. We need a big hard bastard in to keep the balance right.

It's probably bollocks anyway.

According to the Sunday Sun (usually fiction) we want Kieth Andrews from Blackburn but Fat sam wants Smith in exchange. FWIW.

Ranger provides a proper outlet up front, he links with the midfielders which leads to better football. Carroll, Harewood, Lovenkrands and Shola are all pretty poor in that aspect of their play.

I would think next time the players salaries aren't paid on time Williamson should be well within his rights to walk out on breach of contract. It can't be right that players can be treated like this.

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/696290/WORST-HAM-LONDONERS-FINANCIAL-WOES-REVEALED.html I see the new owners with local ties are already getting ready to cut costs at West Ham. Does this qualify them as trustworthy English owners or fat Cockney....

As if anyone is interested in Smith at 60k a week. More chance of shifting Nicky Butt tbh.