TRon

Sounds like the deal is pretty close. Deportivo are probably stalling in the hope some other team comes in like Spurs (as usual). If Coloccini is sold on the idea of coming here now - and he might well be with Spidey recently signing - this should go through IMO.

I'd never heard of him, like most people. Shame the club failed to land him when nobody had heard of him, and then failed again when everybody had though ? That would suggest he's a helluva player which many top teams were after. Actually, you were the only one who hadn't heard of him by then tbh.

I'm sure we could make big money signings if we really needed to. In the past we made plenty of spectacular signings like Shearer, Ferguson, Luque, Owen, Robert and Boumsong. What we need to ask is has this spending been reflected in either results or revenue?

One of my key arguments for backing the appointment of Keegan mid-season last year was that it would give us plenty of time to prepare for a summer of re-building. While it's still slow progress at the moment, I would expect us to bring at least 3-4 decent players in before the close of the transfer window. If that doesn't happen then there would need to be questions asked...IF thatdoesn't happen.

Sunderland won't get him cheap, but they are over-paying to get players through the door. That is how Chimbonda and Kaboul will end up there. It might not be good for them long term but they are improving their team without a doubt. You can bet most of these players will sign for Sunderland then come house-hunting in Newcastle.

Nicky Butt can do that but he doesn't call himself an "attacking" midfielder. You asked what Mick was talking about, I answered. Thanks.

Nicky Butt can do that but he doesn't call himself an "attacking" midfielder.

Milner would have more options if he played through the middle. To do what?

It really depends on what kind of backing he gets. Give him a boatload of money and he'll be warning Fergie to prepare to relinquish the title. I'm not sure he's going to have his heart in balancing the books and putting a UEFA spot down on his wish list.

His movement isn't fast enough you mean Aye, I suppose. He's a plodder who'll not stop running......just not quickly enough to get about the park. Personally find the idea that Milner is so slow that he can't even play in the center of the park laughable. The man's not a tortoise FFS. Slower players have played at CM just fine. Agreed. Milner just needs to make more goals and score them to be considered a viable prospect as an attacking midifelder.

His "good shot" never looks like getting him many goals though does it? He has all the tools but has the predator's instinct of Bambi. His crapness in front of goal is best summed up in two words: Matt Derbyshire (Blackburn).

I keep hearing we are desperate for a couple of defenders and a playmaker, but IMO, we need a mobile target man as well. The chances of Viduka being fit for most of the season are nil.

classic.

It might sound cliche, but there's just something about Keegan and what he says. If he says we're going to fine, then I believe him. I haven't even seen the video but if Keegan is up for it that's all I need to know

I thought that after Keegan arrived and I saw him score a cracking goal in the FA Cup against Stoke (similarly sub-standard opposition). In the relegation battle following, he went missing to the point we had to drop him, alongside a couple of others, to survive. He has a lot to prove and he needs to prove it when the season starts for real.

Technique is a combination of mentality and physicality though. If that was true, James Milner is the best player the world has ever seen. having a good mentality means not going to pieces in front of goal in proper matches though. Milner is wank when he gets anywhere near the penalty area.

Duff's f***ing s*** man. bit harsh, considering nobody was saying Shearer was s**** when he came back from injury in 1998 and wasn't the same player for a good 18 months Sorry, Duff hasn't been f***ing s*** for the last two and a bit seasons then. Daft comparison imo. They play two totally different roles for one thing. yes, but both were hindered by injuries affecting a key aspect of their game Duff has been very poor, but it just seems a lot people actually want the guy to fail I would love it if Duff has a storming season, scoring a few goals along the way. At the moment though, he just seems to be a rabbit killer - great in meaningless friendlies, goes missing when the heat is on at the top level. If he does it when it counts fair play to him.

defending aint just about the back 4 It was here for the most of last season it's been my constant rattle on this and every football forum i've ever been on...defending,like attacking is a team thing. blaming the back 4 alone for the defending is like blaming a forward for a lack of goals when he is getting no support or service. that and "attacking" and "defensive" midfielders...the best ones and the ones we ought to be looking for if we are going to 4-4-2....do both well I agree. I actually think Barton could do a "Rob Lee" if he could get his head right, on what he did for Citeh anyway. Rob Lee was an intelligent person as well as a good player though. Barton if he isn't baring his knuckles, is usually baring his arse. This is where the comparison starts to go adrift.

Ditto.

Saves the big wages for his favourites obviously. Touché. Ashley tried to back Allardyce's judgement, I think we all did at some point.

Harsh but fair Crumpy. Well you can't blame them for trying...

You've quoted all three videos Dave. The 442 implication is mainly down to Keegan saying that the thing that caught his eye with Gutierrez was his supply line from the wing for Guiza last season. Said Shola and Smith up front (no lie) will love him. Is Spidey playing for the reserves next season then?

It's pretty clear that the next major target is a quality playmaker, Modric, Turan and Aimar have all been linked strongly. This is the major breakthrough we need IMO, along with a mobile target man. Spiderman has filled the gap left by Dyer so credit to the club on moving that forward at least.

If we weren't struggling why were we nervous until the end? We weren't. Ok. Please ignore my posts in future and I'll ignore yours as we are clearly living on different planets. Once I know how to reach Planet Hindsight I'll be in touch.

I am considering whether we already have an option linked to Emre. Deals with both players seem to have stalled. doubt they'd be linked with arda at gala and emre supposedly going to fener Emre was a Galatasaray favourite and him going to Fener supposedly created a stir. Has he officially signed for Fener?