Sifu

They patched things up a while back. I still think he'll be undermined in some way. Roman can't help himself at times...

Mourinho's return is a weird one. Wouldn't have thought he would want to work with Abramovich again, certainly not after the way he was treated during his previous stint at Chelsea. Hmmm. In any case though, I am rather pleased to see him back in the PL.

Expect some quotes from Pardew about how great they can be and its a big season for them. In fact he has already talked about how next year will be big for them and they got lots of experience from this year to grow. Six months earlier didn't he said they were far from ready, not to be relied on and in fact one of the main reasons we were where we were at Christmas. Guess 9 months will change every young player. That's the thing, I have no confidence in Pardew in nurturing the youth players - especially not after him having a go at them this season.

So I guess we're counting on the likes of Sammy and Fergie to be properly ready for the PL then? I'm sure their loan spells did them some good but if things go to s*** again and we throw them straight in amongst it again, can see their confidence dipping a bit (especially if Pardew decides to have a go at the youth players when things aren't going well).

So, did I miss anything?

Two tall players, that's our transfer business done for the summer.

Benzema was brilliant when he was in Ligue 1. Seems to have lost his way a bit though thanks to his time at Real but I still think he's a lethal finisher and is arguably one of the best strikers of his generation.

Quite a disturbing image in a way...almost as bad as Jenas looking like Kate Moss...

I would say that the "physicality" of the Championship toughened up both Colo and Enrique. It gave them a platform to build on.

Puma just don't want to keep it simple with our kits. The last one you can categorically say was a simple design was the 2011/12 kit.

Why exactly is he a poison? I don't get this, I think he contributes far more to the PL in terms of generating viewers than Mike Williamson, and no body is calling him a poison except us on here. I think the PL will lose an interesting character even if he is an absolute prick. Hardly sets a good example does he? The Evra incident (which contributed to Liverpool's subsequent support for Suarez that pretty much brought back some racist attitudes which set the country back some years), biting a fellow professional and just his overall cuntedness - these are things I don't f***ing want in the PL. He's in no way an interesting character whatsoever, he's just a c***.

Fantastic organisation as always from the club.

Seems to have mellowed out a bit these past few years but still doesn't dismiss how much of a twat he was/still is - his one character defect. Still a pretty great striker mind, I would say his peak years were when he was at City. Joining us was just the beginning...selling him was a bad idea in hindsight. Thanks Graeme.

I'm glad Suarez is looking like he's going. Although he's a brilliant player, he's been an absolute poison on the PL. Good riddance.

Release clause you say? He's blatantly on his way. In all seriousness though, I anticipate this being one of those long, drawn out sagas.

Summer's come early, urgh. Rumours are flying in now. Oh and I would say fuck off to any sort of offer for Cisse tbh.

The defence that day: Carr, Boumsong, Taylor, Babayaro

Most of which were in the UEFA Cup tbf...

thing is stoke's spending over last 5 years is hardly evidence of club with limited resources 3rd highest net behind City and Chelsea Intriguing. Pulis has wasted a lot of money like but don't think Hughes will receive as much backing imo...

Hughes is pretty much the perfect appointment for Stoke. Two horrible entities merged together although admittedly, can see him doing quite well there, he seems to have a decent enough track record at clubs with limited resources.

Booooooooorrriiiinnngggg. wnw It's a novel idea mind.

Is it bad that I don't feel an ounce of sympathy for him?

Tonight's game was the first time I've seen the new England kit. Not bad but has a hint of a Germany kit there, won't be buying.

Typical England performance that. Some neat flashes here and there but ultimately not enough. Ireland did well, cracking header from Long.

Surely you can though? Just can't hit it off the post for yourself to score. I went with the header thing. Cruyff and Neeskens took that famous penalty where he passed it, so unless the rules have been amended since then both the passing and the off the post (which is passing) should be right. They made such a big deal about Henry/Pires doing it that I thought they changed the rules. Mind you though, their attempt was awful.