STM

Realistically, our next sponsorship following that will take over Spurs.

Seems a big upgrade but also modest. As much as I want us to be loaded. I also don't want us to flout the rules. Give nobody an excuse. It's a good starting point.

For comparison.

What's the average?

I also think its entirely possible that he's improved since he's been with us, despite it being a short time and despite being injured. Our squad culture seems to be an environment to thrive and improve, in equal measure. Even thinking back to Southampton when he rinsed their left back... I think he's come on a level since then. He's nowhere near his best yet... which quite frankly is frightning.

How about... we sign Maddison, he gets the summer to get up to speed on what is required of a midfielder in our set up, Howe can start him on the bench until he's confident he understands what his responsibilities are? We assume that mid-twenties players can't adapt to new systems and roles. There's a reason why Pep Guardiola often refuses to immediately start new signings when the arrive. Grealish being an example. Maddison would be an absolute elite signing. I'd be more worried about City or Liverpool stepping in, as to whether he's good enough FFS. He does seem to pick up a few injuries but then leave that to the experts. He won't choose Spurs over us. Trippier and Wilson will be on the blower.

Do you mean, you don't see anyone forking 30m for him?

I love that Howe is working with him. Great career move for him.

Haaland, Mbappe and Isak. The future of European strikers. There, I've said it. He's class, he's ours and with him, we win stuff.

One thing I will say is, I see no way in which ASM stays at the club. I can't put my finger on why exactly, call it a hunch. I just think the chemistry isn't right. Howe needs reliability and workrate. He's sellable too. If we get a 30m offer for him, I reckon he's gone... and if we end up signing Diaby for 45m, it will be seen as great business.

Also, Trippier is going to need rested. Therefore having one fullback with quality on the pitch would be a nice option.

I've said this previously but what i would be looking at is "who would we miss the most if they were injured for a lengthy period?". Top 3 priorities: For me the obvious answer is Bruno. We need someone in the middle who can retain possession at least somewhere near Brunos level. Without him, a huge part of our game collapses. Secondly, I'd say Schar because its a huge step down to Lascelles. Schar is 31 and we have a huge workload next year. Burn is an able deputy to Botman. Third, yep LB, not because I don't like Targett but because Burn is going to be needed in the middle more and more. Let's get someone who has some technical ability/pace going forward. It does seem odd that I've highlighted 3 defensive areas but it's a strength of ours and we need depth to continue our high standards.

Blaming West Hams shite season on Europe is doing Moyes a massive favour, by the way. In the summer they recruited players that didn't suit his system whatsoever and continued to play dullard football. He's been saved by the quality they have in their squad but ultimately their failures have been down to his management as much as the extra workload in Europe. Emery won't make the same mistakes, he knows the pitfalls like the back of his hand and will recruit the correct players. They will finish top 8 again next year and have a good run in Europe.

Gray and Tyler

We shouldn't be complacent. Southampton did draw against Arsenal last week. You have to say, if we come out the traps like against Spurs. The game could be over by half time. Right now, you can't see us not getting a couple of goals. Can Southampton score a couple?

I actually think Targett starts again and Isak and Murphy come back in but it's anyone's guess. Quite frankly we could play kermit the frog in a Newcastle shirt and he'd likely play a blinder, so fuck knows if it matters.

It's almost as if Dan Ashworth brought his Brighton list with him. Na, fair fucks, he's a good fit for them.

I genuinely can't believe how good he is. Does Henry know that somewhere in Sweden there is a lab full of his DNA?

That's why I said it. We've got a goal and assist machine.

Just seen the Spurs score. man this is getting better.

It's his body movement which is killer. Faints back and forth. Players buy it every time.

We have to learn that he plays in phases. He's going to just come alive from time to time. When he does, he's unstoppable.

Like to see Haaland do that.

Willock and Almiron poor. Been exactly what we all said... a fight rather than a game of football. I'd suggest that their players will get tired quicker than ours. You saw that their press got less as the half went on. I actually think Gordon might be perfect for this game.

I suspect Eddie thinks we are going to have a lot of the ball and Targett is more useful in this regard.