STM

Eddie's got the hose oot.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00177lk/match-of-the-day-top-10-series-4-8-managerial-rivalries 18th minute to want to tear your eyes out and mush them into your phone. Our greatest ever player is a complete moron.

You wouldn't sell Maxi for less than 40m. Fuck knows who would buy him at that price though.

Don't have BT, wish I knew where else I could watch the West Ham game.

Wood has been a decent signing, providing your only metric for success isn't goals. Had we not signed him, we would have had at least half a dozen fewer points IMO. We both know he's no long term solution.

Me too. Something likeable about Moyes' West Ham. Probably because the mackems let their only decent manager go.

100% If we can't trust Howe to manage the squad, well.... That's not to say people aren't allowed an opinion, just that their opinions need to be caveated with the knowledge the Eddie Howe and his coaching staff have a better grip on the situation than they do.

So if we let Dummett go, who do we replace him with? A kid from the U21s? You might think, "well we could just sign someone," but then I'd ask who? We already have a list of priorities for the summer and not an unlimited budget. Also, I've heard a few "well let Dummett go and keep Manquillo or Lewis", but I'd argue the reason why we MUST sell one of those players is because we can get a transfer fee for those players.

I reckon it's a numbers game. Possibly can't afford to lose another defender, especially when Fernandez, Manquillo, Krafth, Lewis, Clark and Lascelles all could go. I'm guessing Dummett is on quite a low wage too. Ultimately, we aren't going to sign 4/5 defenders, so having a local lad who won't kick up a fuss and can play in two positions isn't the worst thing. He won't get many games at all next year but it seems late in the day for him to be demanding first team, so I can totally understand him wanting to stay on.

Get rid. Sick of hearing about him all the time. If a daft bid comes in for him, which I doubt it will, we should cash in.

I'm not watching but I can't imagine Liverpool not scoring.

Telt ya. Clever free kick.

Dramatic winner coming in the Bournemouth forest game.

Gerson from Marseille. I believe during our Bruno/Paqueta foray into the French/Brazilian Market, we also looked at this lad. He's done the rounds a little bit but has recently got back into the Brazil national fold. Very similar type to Bruno. 6 goals and 4 assists this season. Club finished second in the league. Progressive midfielder. Got some decent mileage on him for a 24 year old too. Had a spell at Roma when young. I don't think he is someone we need but given our Brazil links, one to watch.

I've said before that I think Schar could legitimately play in the back 4 of City, Liverpool and Chelsea because of his ability on the ball. He'd struggle moreso in a poor side who are defending their box for much of the game.

Class.

Also, it was noticeable on the overlap that when Neville asked Gerrard what his "idea" was, I.e his playing philosophy, style etc, Gerrard didn't really have an answer. If you can't explain your "idea", what chance have the players got? Imagine asking Eddie what his "idea" was? You would be there for hours.

To be a good manager, it seems like you need 2 important things; A tireless work ethic/ devotion to the cause and a willingness to LEARN. The day you think you have "cracked" management is the day things go pear shaped. It's clear to me that Lampard and to a lesser extent Gerrard have fallen into the Steve Bruce trap of assuming that they know everything about football, based on their experiences on the pitch. Nutrition? Pfft. Psychology? Pfft Sports Science? Pfft Data Analysts? Pfft.

https://todofichajes.com/ According to this lot, we have agreed to sign Diego Carlos. Although I'm not sure the reputation. Also, sorry if giggs.

Striker has to be priority. We must be opportunistic too. I know plenty have scoffed at Tarkowski and Lingard on free transfers but don't be shocked if either of those happen, especially if it means being allowed to move a Murphy or Lascelles out of the door. Also don't be shocked to see the odd 30 year old cone in, provided they are the right fit. This isn't MAs Newcastle where sell on value is the be all and end all. I don't think any of us would turn our noses up at another Trippier type signing.

Yeah I was thinking Eriksen as an option. I'm certain that Longstaff will stay but if I was him I'd move on, he bound to get a decent contract at another PL club and first team football.

Prediction: We get off to an absolute flyer, perhaps even spend a week or two at the top of the table. Momentum will be good and we will get a couple of decent scalps, we might even get to November in the top 4, similar to what West Ham did. Eventually, injuries and our inability to beat enough of the top 6 clubs will see us gently slide down the table and we end up 6/7th. That would be an Epic season. Any European football the following year would be an absolute dream.

We can do both but I'm of the belief that we won't outlay the best part of 70m on two CMs this summer, when we already have 5. Again, I'd be delighted to see us show those levels of investment but given we NEED a CF a RW and a CB, who will all cost a canny amount, I can't see it. My short term thing, was in reference to a Trippier type move.

We have that sort of attitude and we might land in the Europa league the following season.

We should go for top 4 next season. "OMG, what have you just said!!!!". What happened to ambition man? You don't aim for 8th or whatever. You aim for a real target, a golden egg if you will. OK, so realistically it's going to be a tall order, we'd need an electric start and then further investment in January but it's possible given how much the current protagonists are trying to shoot themselves in the foot. And just so we are clear, I don't expect us to finish top 4, I don't think we will finish top 4 nor do I think Eddie Howe should be in any sort of trouble if we don't. I'm saying we need to have real targets and real aims. If it doesn't happen, c'est la vie.