STM

Midfield runners? Gareth would be having kittens.

Trent looks like a different player in an attacking side.

Isn't Saka playing? If so, perhaps Grealish is playing number 10.

Also it's absolutely in Eddie Howes modus operandi to give players as long as possible out of the side, before giving them game time. I imagine he's become so much better at everything in the past 2 months.

I do think he will get cups. Forest away wasn't the time and the game went to pens so Howe probably felt he couldn't get him on. Wimbledon away is a different game. I'd be starting him. He will be fine if he's got some experience around him.

Where can I buy a sandro flag?

Remember when we rarely had an interest in international football, with regards to our players? Now we've got Brazilians, Swedes and Italians smashing it up. We've come a long way in 3 years.

Two things I've noticed. Firstly, I'm watching via that YouTube link above and how refreshing to watch a game of footy with no comms on the TV. Secondly, if I hadn't had the snip I'd be naming my next child Sandro.

Channel?

While I didn't see much wrong with the quotes at all, I've no doubt that the bit in bold is true. It absolutely was self-preserving, but in mitigation, if I'd spent the last week being hammered and questioned, I'd probably sound a bit defensive too.

Thing is though, you haven't read an interview, you've read extracts from an interview. We haven't got the questions he was posed, which is quite important. For example, if a journalist asks "who's responsible for the poor transfer window?" or "what things to do you need to improve with regards to recruitment?", you are likely to get some answers that sound critical of the previous people in that role. Of course he could tow the party line or deflect from these questions but he didn't, he was honest. Perhaps too honest. This is just my opinion, but I think people in these roles in football have to have an element of arrogance and ignorance to their mindset. He likely thinks he's the absolute best sporting director in the world and is almost certainly as stubborn as what people think Howe is. I just think it comes with the territory. Again, I don't know the bloke, but I imagine whoever was before him was always going to have been doing the job wrong in his mind. I've no problem with him being this way either, provided he's good at his job.

Perhaps that's your Rose tinted glasses.

If even a Howe fan boy like me can understand the need for Howe to be reigned in, it shouldn't be hard for others. No manager should have 100% power.... in the same way no DoF should sign players a manager doesn't want. It's about compromise and in order to compromise, you need a solid working relationship, which takes time.

Kid needs wrapped in cotton wool.

*The training pitch. He will "manage" the club restaurant with diligence.

I guess it's a matter of perspective.

I reckon if there was a video of this interview, there wouldn't be the uproar. People are reading waaaay to much into quotes. Perhaps worth watching this for a fair representation of what the interview felt like in person. A few fair concerns but largely seems like Howe and Mitchell are on the same page.

Obviously absolutely hates YAR. Patronising cunt. Have I done that right lads?

The standout thing for me is that we are 100% going to be focusing on cheaper players from abroad from now on. I'm fully on board with that... so long as he doesn't think we are Brighton or Brentford. We need to have more ambitions.

What matters to me more is the design. Do something unique and completely different.

I absolutely wouldn't let him go out on loan. I'd be tempted to sell if the right offer came in. I'd rather keep him, given the summer we've had.

I'd be surprised if he went to Turkey. Saudi I can see but would have to happen today (i think).

FYP.

Sorry if posted... Wilson "first 4 you gave away".