Sifu

Nice optimism there (wish I had it!).

Meh.

Why does he need to play on the right? Probably due to Santon being right-footed. I don't mind where he plays really, be it at LB or RB, I'm sure he'll do a good job in both positions.

Proper London boy imo, couldn't see him moving elsewhere. Was linked with Spurs last week in the Standard. I think MON will try and get him for the mackems in Jan. He can be his new Heskey. Nah, Carlton Cole

Had a very good pre-season so if he does start on Wednesday, I look forward to it

Good words from Mehdi there Would like to see him against WBA but think we'll see Vuckic at CM. Can't see Pardew starting two DMs at home (if Abeid is considered that as a player that is which seems to be the case).

I get the impression the lad really just wants to play be it in the number 10 or on the wing (wherever really). I've said this before, the Everton game was an example of his eagerness to play. When it became clear that Marveaux was knacked, Ben Arfa immediately went to warm up - he wanted to come on even though it would have meant him playing on the wing. The fact that Pardew had to "console" him should indicate that Ben Arfa was really disappointed. I guess Pardew's still being stubborn about the whole "Ben Arfa is only a number 10" thing. That's the only explanation I can think of from a footballing sense. We should know more on Tuesday in the Journal (according to Douglas).

Howay man, "hate" is a pretty strong word.....

I'm 140th in the N-O League, I won't give up yet!

Not sure about him now tbh. Would have taken him in the summer but now I'm pretty undecided, seems to me he's just the typical English striker - decent ability; decent movement; scores goals but nothing that sets the world alight.

45 points this weekend.

A run of the games and he'll be properly back to the Cheik we know well and love.

His massive drop in form these last few years is a bit puzzling

Can see us going for Ridgewell really.

Pretty much his entire time at City. Yep, that's a fair thing to say really.

Unfortunately, I think this too. Maiga was our main target (for the last 6 months or so) and now that that's a no goer, can't see any of our other supposed targets being pursued by us. They would be simply too expensive as you've pointed out. Ashley's seen that Ba is performing well, Best isn't doing too bad of a job either so will probably think it's pointless to sign a new striker. There's also that hint of "oh well, we really tried this time" thing going on I reckon.

Shame Hughton's not in charge for a day or two, would mean we've completed the deal and is training with the first team. Ha, indeed.

More like Joey Barton's dream to have that car.

McLeish has ruined him.

Sounds like it.

I'm still going to give the lad a full season to "prove himself".

What a night. Laurent I still can't believe people could criticise Robert's impact at NUFC. I was one of those who criticised him towards the end of the 2003/04 season and the whole of the 2004/05 season. Pretty dickish move on my part (I was only 15 at the time, young and stupid).