STM

We should also look at it as an opportunity to replenish the coffers. If someone like Everton comes in for Wood, Murphy or Fraser, move them on and reinvest in some youth.

As Ant and Dec would say.... your on the plane... There's no way Southgate doesn't take Wilson. He scored a penalty.... do you understand what that means in Southgate language? I'd take Toney too. Bin off some of the other shite.

Unless it's the perfect player, at the perfect price, there's no reason to get silly. I agree with the above, if we can get a couple of talented youngsters who can start driving up the standard of our bench, I think that would be great. I think Maddison will sign, but it might be in the summer.

I knew Villa would be a good side. Gerrard wants shot. We've been poor by our new standards but still edged it. Defo a game for Shelvey.

Don't look at the table. Don't look at the table. Don't look at the table..... Oh damn.

Great atmosphere.

European football will be the best thing to happen to Elliot Anderson.

Also people said he couldn't sort out a defence and we haven't played ASM and Isak for any notable period.

Eddie confirms that commentators talk shite.

In a scenario where Real Madrid come calling and we are sitting as a 4th placed side in the PL, I think he might ask for the move. I don't think he will ever kick up a fuss FWIW, it's about both parties respecting each others wishes. Anyway, let's just enjoy him.

These are the acceptable conditions for any Bruno exit: He gives us another 2 full seasons He goes abroad. We get 100m+ We are qualified for the CL We have a replacement in place before he's gone

We have a 7 point head start, with a 3rd of the season gone. It's a bold prediction, especially since they play Thursday Sunday. IMO they are the only team capable of it but I don't see it at all.

Presumably you think the "big 6" will finish top 6, who do you think will finish 7th?

Yep, not only that but let's say we have Wilson playing league games and we want to get Isak in scoring in Europe, in order to leave Wilson at home, we could do with Wood from the bench as a sub or an option. That's not to say we should look to sign other options. That's why Joao Pedro made sense because he's another one who can play in various positions. On the other hand, if someone comes and tries to sign him, we should say thank you very much and let him go. I can see a Fulham or a Bournemouth seeing him as someone who could see them over the line to avoid the drop.

10 would have been a fantastic return for Miggy. If he stays fit, he should make that comfortably. We should be asking questions of other players in the squad, particularly Longstaff, Joelinton, Willock and ASM when he returns. Also, our CBs should be getting a goal or two.

Well we will see who's correct in this one. Personally I think he will have a contract minimum before the end of the season but possibly before the world cup.

Surprised to see this thread wasn't bumped from Sunday. I know, I know he's shite yada yada but his 10 minutes against Spurs was cracking and helped us see out the game in a comfortable fashion. Won a couple of free kicks, held up the ball etc. Well done Woody lad, same again if we need you please.

I see no issue where he doesn't add another year to his contract (protecting our asset) and in return we give him 170k + various bonuses. I mean, we could easily give him another 40k per game. He's worth every penny.

I'm there

This all starts with which ex players they have covering mainstream football. Neville, Carragher, Redknapp, Souness, Keane, Micah Richards etc. Even when you have Shearer and Lineker the tone dampens from that somewhat. There's nothing more annoying than "it's a matter of time before a big club comes looking". Especially annoying when they are talking about a player from a traditional big club like Leeds, Villa, Newcastle, Everton and going to traditionally smaller clubs like Chelsea and City. Its been a long time since "size" of club meant anything of worth. Back in the day it was stadium, reputation, following, now its finance and recent success. Can't wait until we win something and people accuse us of only being big because of money.

Yeah sorry, I didn't so much mean by standard as much senior members of the squad.

I'm not sure I agree. If he was a new signing and immediately was given double the next most paid player, perhaps that would raise eyebrows. Put yourself in the shoes of Wilson, Trippier, Shelvey and maybe even ASM. Give them the choice of keeping Bruno but him being the highest paid player, or losing him because you couldn't handle someone earning more than you, what do you? I've said this before and I will say it again, any player who looks at Bruno on 200k a week (currently on 100kish) and thinks "that's not fair" wants to be launched into the moon. He's clearly our best player, clearly our star man, clearly where we want to be as a club. You want the same wages? Go and earn it. With all that said, I'd have no issue with Botman joining him in years time, provided he continues his form but again, it has to come through merit, not jealousy.

It comes to the stage where I barely know what our first choice 11 is, let alone which area is a priority. I'm so used to having a glaring weakness in the first team, now that simply doesn't exist. The only weakness I see is that once we have injuries our options from the squad ranks are poor but when the likes of Jacob Murphy come in and we still win, you have to scratch your head. The only thing I could say with certainty is that we lack a creative ball player in the final third.

Because you are reading the wrong stuff. If Bruno leaves us, it's to Real Madrid, its in 2/3 years time, its when we have qualified for the champions league and its for 130m+. He will have a new contract before the world cup, that will shut the noise up.

Looking at potential PL targets, i went for players who I felt fitted certain profiles, I.e mainly young, mainly British. One that stood out for me was Emile Smith-Rowe, who doesn't start for Arsenal but has massive potential. Tielemans (out of contract) Shaw (out of contract) Trossard (out of contract) Maddison Barnes Emile Smith-Rowe Buendia Ramsey Pulisic Broja Lamptey Soucek (contract up in 2024) Gordon Holgate Mitchell Eze Walker-Peters Harrison Gelhardt