STM

Yep. It's been the same for weeks and we absolutely don't have to play this formation.

Burn is shite but its not even close to being our problem. The midfield 3 are appalling.

What if you were shite but didn't know it?

Can we just do our job defensively please? We will score but can we keep them out?

Ah that's because technically we can have friendlies behind closed doors, which are in effect training sessions. It's a grey area really.

I wonder if this could have a good baring on Joelintons new contract. Ultimately, Ashworth leaving could have a softening effect in our negotiations. It would be nice to think someone could step in and make it priority number one.

He gets pre season though right? That's the most important thing.

It's a concept alien to our fans, the idea that you could spend big money on potential. Livramento has been outstanding and will soon be a regular. Hall is a mystery. Looked good for Chelsea... has looked really raw for us. Not sure how that one goes. So yeah, like every other club... you win some you lose some. Not for our fans though. Someone must hang.

Do both. They still have to compensate us if he's on gardening leave.

Someone will pay, we won't get much though. Getting his wages gone will be a victory.

Honestly Gordon looked brighter up there. It's just a shame that Gordon has to move positions. Wilson looked really poor in his last couple of games.

He's done am amazing job of souring the amount of goals he's scored by getting injured. Part of me is pleased because now there can be no doubt that he shouldn't be part of our long term plans. Bye Calum, thanks.

What date exactly is Tonali back from current ban?

I think there is a tenancy to read too much into certain things. He can be enjoying his job here but also fancy joining his mate at Man United who, let's be fair, are a massive club and further along the line financially. We could have done everything in our power, done everything right... and he could still want the move. If we get 10m for him and replace him with someone equally as capable.. i don't see many issues. Personally, the main question should be about who we replace him with. I hope we have a really good plan.

Football insider

Even the promoted sides will spend more than that. Depending on various things, I'm fairly sure we will be spending 150m + on 4/5 first team signings. Of course that depends on what deals you can do and how much you end up forking out on our main targets.

The good news is that this has been talked about for a few months now, which means that our owners will already have been aware of the situation. I'm actually excited to see what we do.

Absolutely and if we got a couple of million back because we've tied him down, not the worst outcome.

He's incredibly trustworthy. I'm pleased he's staying. He just adds some decent depth in that area of the squad.

So anyway, back to the line up I'd like to see but almost certainly won't happen (that said he moved Bruno forward last week so)... Dubravka Trippier Schar Botman Burn Longstaff Bruno Murphy Gordon Barnes Wilson Obviously Livramento but let's not go there. In this formation I'd allow Barnes and Gordon as much flexibility as they want to swap positions. In fact I'd encourage it because Bournemouth won't know who they are marking. Also given Howes ability to teach people positioning, Gordon could easily drop into that left 8 role while we are defending. I just think this formation gives Miley a break and what a great sub to have.

Will just make it all the more satisfying when we get there. Our constant pushing money into every area of the club will bare fruit. It's like they are using a tennis racket to stop a water cannon at this point.

Ivan Toney would be an outstanding signing, if Arsenal decided not to bother. I'd be surprised if someone didn't gazump us. Him and Isak would be lethal, as a pair or alternating. Wilson to Brentford would be a fair shout too.

Richard Hughes? Sounds like one of Eddie's Brexit mags appointments. It's a PASS from me. There's not a fella abroad called Juan Loadsaplayers or something? Big black aviator sunglasses and wears chinos and brown shoes. Much more suited to our club. Just the ticket for me.

I suspect Miggy didn't leave because the move came too quickly and from a place where he wasn't expecting. For all the money in the world, playing in Saudi Arabia would be fucking shite compared to the PL. You are basically retiring from high level football. That's fine of course, nowt wrong with taking in a final wedge, I'm just not sure Miggy and his family were ready to jump in January. Chances are, he will have had longer to think about it now and he will have made his mind up one way or the other, about whether its something he'd entertain. Don't worry about the Saudis or getting a decent fee. They don't give a fuck, we just need to make sure it "looks" right, nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Failing that, Miggy would start for half the PL sides anyway, so there will be no shortage of suitors. He's a managers dream because of his workrate. I don't really see him staying in the PL though.

Fair enough. Really keen to see how this goes.