TRon

He's a lot better than Bruce like, but something about his personality really grates me the wrong way. I think it probably grates on his players as well, that's why he never quite achieves what he promises.

There was, and apparently it was a lot more money than he's getting at Milan, but he chose to go there for his career prospects. Only on loan mind, so nothing to say he wouldn't come in the summer if we stay up.

Not got a good feeling about this one, I was counting on Dan Burn playing, Lascelles and Shcar would be ok if it was just one of them, but both together, and you can see one of them making a mistake. Really need something from the front three tomorrow, Everton have defended badly all season.

He will I reckon. Howe chucked both Trippier and Wood straight into the starting line ups after their signings.

Just feel that Gayle is the closest we've to to Wilson as a striker who will run onto the through balls into the spaces. Wood should be able to as well in theory, but he's looked pretty sluggish in the two games so far.

Yeah it's really weird. I agree the scouse mackems is probably a bit unfair, but they seem to be doing their best to live up to it.

Would still fancy Gayle to score over Miggy any day of the week, at least he has the instincts of a striker. He's not good enough for sure, but right now we may end up needing him.

What's the reason for hating us? I mean I don't like them, the scouse mackems says it all really. Can't see what they've got against us though, unless it's just jealousy.

Nah. All our defenders pre-Howe lack pace and passing ability, but they'll do a job if called on.

Considering we don't have a DOF or any type of rated scouts. must admit I've been pretty impressed with the type of players we've been trying to recruit, even if not that successful in this window.

I don't know who has said our squad is the worst in the league, I haven't seen it, on here at least. But collectively it has aged badly, and Bruce was the problem since he perpetuated it. If it was up to him, he'd still be here and handing out contracts to the next generation of good lads who are settled in the area, and would be happy to carry on even if we got relegated.

Sounds familiar.

If the rumours that Wilson has had an injury setback which puts his comeback at mid-March now, that's a serious blow. We really need him for the more winnable fixtures, and some of the more crucial ones are in the next month or so.

Sky thickos Morrison and Merse absolutely licking his hoop on Sports Saturday. Now he's not our manager it seems almost funny.

He just needs to hold the ball up better and allow runners time to get around him. After that the goals will be a bonus. Hopefully with the new signings, especially Bruno, and a few weeks training under his belt, we'll see more understanding with his teammates.

I do agree with this. He wasn't good enough, but he did give 100% for the shirt when he was wearing it. Not impressed by him refusing to go out on loan though, that's taken away some of the goodwill he's earned.

I can't say I've ever really noticed him other than he takes a spectacular free kick. I'm guessing he must be quite decent at the basics without actually being that great at anything other than set pieces.

He's never going to stop milking that 12th and 13th finish, one season relied on defenders scoring goals in the last minute, the other a purple patch of goals from a loanee. He could easily have relegated us in either one the jammy fat bastard.

Tbf, the clarity becomes a bit fuzzy when you are looking all the way back from the third division.

I fear you're right. Plus we know Ashley connived with Bruce to stitch up the incoming owners with that rolling contract, so he wouldn't have written in the clause that Bruce could only claim his lotto win if he took on another job.

So what's the score with that £8m Bruce walked away with from his failure with us. Since he's back in a job after only 3 months, does that mean his payout should be reduced? As far as I know, Poch's payout from Spurs was reduced when he took another job and surely Bruce needs to be out of work for the full term of his Newcastle contract to claim dole money?

Worried about Dele Alli, not going to lie. After a month or so he'll probably decide he can't be arsed again, but for this match he'll be pumped.

Always liked Jesus when he wasn't getting so much game time, is he still at that level these days or is he starting to drop off a bit?

Same here tbh. Lascelles passing is iffy, but he usually plays it quite safe to avoid getting into trouble. I think he does the dirty work of defending more than Schar does, although Schar is a better footballer overall. Not sure I agree that the stick Lascelles gets is justified in comparison to the other CBs, all of them are below top level.

I've seen his score some cracking goals mind. He can strike a ball at least, I've not seen that from either Fraser or Almiron so far.