Sifu

Jordan Henderson, please don't make the final squad, please don't make the final squad, please don't make the final squad! Hope Lampard's injury's not too serious. (Call up Scholes tbh).

Well, this is going to end in tears. It is quite a peculiar appointment imho. The Liverpool fans' (high) expectations are going to take its toll on Rodgers. This is going to be a massive challenge for him and unfortunately, I can't see him lasting a whole season at Anfield - he'll receive some initial support from the fans but then once things start going badly (a bad run of form), the fans will inevitably start turning on him. Btw, I never really got the massive love-in Rodgers got - sure he got Swansea playing some good stuff here and there but towards the end of the season, it started to become clear that his tactics were actually boring as f*** (you could say they were somewhat negative, what with the passes to midfield from defence, then back to defence and eventually back to the keeper). Oh and howay Parky!

Summer has well and truly begun.

Yep, our midfield, in particular, is shocking. All of our main/natural central midfielders (Lampard, Parker and Gerrard) are all over 30.

Definitely agree (plus I don't want that cunt Terry starting).

Walcott's main problem is that he's so inconsistent. That's what holding him back from being a really top player and that's also the reason why he's not rated so highly.

I'm not really sure where Gameiro would fit in. If we go for a 4-4-2 (a system which I hope to see less of next season), then can see Gameiro thriving, with another striker alongside him but I would rather see us to use the 4-3-3 more regularly next season and Cissé being deployed as the main striker of the front three is a no brainer for me.

I'm not sure it's dead certain like. His agent is just saying we haven't made a formal approach. Of course he won't go to us then. We need to come to senses soon anyway, and sign the man. The best we can get for a decent price. There's still some time to get something sorted I guess and with Mbiwa out of the French squad, he'll more than likely be available for a reasonable price. Mmmm, not so sure. Montpellier probably don't need to sell after the season they've had, the player has indicated he is happy to stay and the chairman has indicated they will only sell if a significant offer comes in for him. With reported interest from (other) big clubs from England and Germany I think we're looking at upwards of 10 million, which as that article correctly asserts pretty much rules us out.. Well, the Montpellier chairman did say that they would be willing to sell both Giroud and Mbiwa and I suspect the former would be the one to bring in the most money as a result of his sale - this could mean Mbiwa could be made available for a lower price, maybe something between £6-7 million? I'm trying to sound logical here but think I'm failing miserably Having said that though, Douglas is still a possibility but with this being us, we probably won't get him either (in which case, I hope we have a plan C...).

I'm not sure it's dead certain like. His agent is just saying we haven't made a formal approach. Of course he won't go to us then. We need to come to senses soon anyway, and sign the man. The best we can get for a decent price. There's still some time to get something sorted I guess and with Mbiwa out of the French squad, he'll more than likely be available for a reasonable price.

Whacked a fiver on France to win the Euros. 11-1.

So Mbiwa isn't coming here, ah well, as long as we get Douglas...

This is great news, so pleased for Hatem He's going to unleash hell upon England (him and Cabaye) but tbh, think I'm going to stay neutral on the 11th - on the one hand, will be great to see Ben Arfa and Yohan playing but on the other, I really can't support any other team over England.

Urgh (though probably just about the right price...).

The brutal truth.

unfortunately it's torres If Torres doesn't thrive from those players behind him, then there really is no hope for him.

Hazard's off to Chelsea.

Has to be a pisstake like. There's just no way that this is true

Phew, was really afraid of Henderson getting the nod! In any case, Barry's injury is a blessing in disguise, he would have been torn apart in CM against the big guns from the French, Swedish and even Ukrainian teams.

Well, Hazard's taking his sweet time. Prick.

It was mentioned in the Olympics thread. Personally (and selfishly), I don't want him to be anywhere near the GB squad, mainly because he's just recovering from quite a long layoff - I'd rather he go through rehabilitation and get himself ready for pre-season tbh. Don't think he's ready for a return to competitive action just yet, it's a bit risky.

Well then, if they do get Llorente, it would be quite a coup. With him, Podolski (and Van Persie, provided he stays), Arsenal would arguably have one of the best strikeforces in the PL next season. 2012/13 title contenders?

Yes he is. Tbf, I think that because he hasn't played in ages, it just feels like he's out of contract this summer.

That is indeed fair enough. Yep, definitely sounds like man management to me I don't think anyone is really expecting to see Williamson as first choice come August though.

Not sure what you mean. Legitimate question. What you read was clearly a load of bollocks man. Pardew said, or at least implied, that in the phone-in he did a couple weeks back, IIRC. Hmmm, didn't realise that but I guess that's more of a man management thing than an actual footballing decision on Pardew's part.