STM

Not the greatest pictures but ordered this for my lad, from DH Gate. Looks pretty good.

It's not weird because the rumours have dried up.... its weird because nobodies kicking off about it. N-O = Growth

I'm certain Gordon will start the season. It will be Barnes who will have to break into the side. If you are Gordon, Barnes, Miggy or Murphy, you can't afford a dip in form but it's a brilliant situation for Howe that he can bring a player in to rejuvenate our attack.

I want to see him at home, in front of a full house, white hot atmosphere, playing with our strongest 11. He will be a killer.

Both Hope and Downie were crowing about his performance last night. Anyone done a compilation of his highlights? Makes you wonder what he's capable of, if he's like this at 17.

What I REALLY like is that he looks like he can play number 6. Let him be Brunos understudy.

Anyone got any suggestions as to finding a centre half with blistering pace but is also as good as Schar/Botman at defending and distribution? Or are people suggesting just sticking Usain Bolt back there?

This match on Sky sports tonight aye?

Sometimes pinch myself. Imagine if someone had shown you this video in the summer of 21. "Is that Anthony Gordon?"....... then Alexander Isak and Tonali walk past.

Personally, I wish him all the best at Watford. I hope he gets loads of game time, gets his confidence back and gets a bigger move next summer.

What ive noticed is that the two most competitive players in our squad are Isak and Schar, both players fucking hate losing. Like proper "alreet it's just a game" vibes.

I think very quickly the soft Eddie Howe narrative is going to be quashed. (For the general media, we know what he's like).

"They're bluffing"... can't fucking wait for this.

If someone is lucky to play for a championship club, they are nowhere near PL level.

Gordon has some confidence. Nice to see. Looks settled.

I think the Dubravka saga is over. He's probably content knowing he will be at a CL club and will likely play alot of cup games. He's one Pope injury away from playing against Real Madrid etc in the Bernabeu. The fact we are letting Darlow leave tells us that Dubravka is staying.

Can't help but feel that every one of these players we manage to get out of the door is helpful towards our wage budget and FFP. It might not be much but if he's on 40k or whatever, that must help when factoring in a new players wages etc.

I can't be the only one to think that Hayden would be lucky to get a championship club? He was decent in a very organised and pragmatic side for us under Rafa but is largely shite. I don't want to taint old Isaac mind, good pro and all that but fuck me, he's nowhere near capable of playing PL football anymore.

The issue is that it all has to come together. For example, what are we going to get for Targett 15m? If we are lucky. So straight off the bat you are likely looking to add 20m to that, to get close to a quality left back. What does 35m get you these days? Tierney maybe? Loads have said he's not worth that due to his injury record. The LBs just aren't out there. Not at sensible prices.

There's always a "welcome to the firm" vibe. Like, we will show Harvey the secrets of the book of shithousery. We've always assumed Tindall was the Don but I'm starting to think its Greame Jones. Straight in with a headlock and a noogie.

The problem is, we aren't in the position where we can just add "pace". When we sign players, they must have everything to succeed. I always find it extremely dangerous when people say things like "we need a CB with pace" because it implies that the rest of their game doesn't matter. When in reality, a smart centre back/left back will always out perform a quick one. I wasn't directing that at you mind, I get what you mean and I'm sure they are looking. Ultimately I'd rather wait 6/12 months for the right player. Its absolutely no good signing someone if they aren't immediately better than Burn/Targett. Even the likes of Tierney (who I like) have been dismissed, Robinson wasn't fancied, that Leverkusen LB went elsewhere etc. We should wait for a Cancelo/ Hernandez level LB or a youngster who could become that (Hall is a good shout) but we shouldn't drop our standards because of our fans are cry-arsing about Burn and Targett.

It's mental behaviour, in all honesty. I can deal with someone saying that Targett is a steady Eddie type but "rubbish". Half the reason we haven't signed a left back is because we are struggling to find some significantly better than him.

He's talking shit basically.

Which games has he been completely rubbish in since he returned from injury?

This is one of the more mental things I've read recently. We are "desperate" to get rid of our second best goalkeeper? And second best right back? Also why would you be content shipping out 3 players who helped us get 4th last year? What benefit is there in selling Murphy or Burn for example? You wouldn't get a replacement for the money we would get. The only players Howe will be keen to see that back of, are the ones who aren't currently with the squad in the US, namely Hendrick, Fraser an Co.