STM

I think the club is being asked a serious question about ambition again this summer. The question is how are we approaching this summer? How keen are we to keep our best players? At what cost do we let them go? Are we finally prepared to go after "big" players or are we going to look for the right bargains again? There's nothing wrong with smart cheap signings, especially if they are as good as the ones we have signed recently but I do feel that there is a ceiling to it. At some point we have to bite the bullet and try and snare a big name from under the noses of clubs like Spurs. Don't get me wrong, I think we have been fantastic in the transfer market but was Cisse a one off? More of the same would see us really scare a few teams next year. I think there will be ups and downs this summer, at least one good player out and at least one good player in.

I've always thought there to be serious potential in the Europe League. There's no amount of good "second tier" teams out there to make it a really good tournament. The problem is that most clubs need an extra incentive to winning it, as I think its seen as more effort than its worth. It's like the carling cup of Europe. I'd fucking love to win it.

There are plenty of worse characters than Drogba and there will be in the future. Very good player on his day.

Honestly Big Sam will take him, if he leaves QPR.

Start the bidding at 20m.

Or roll around in the mud for a bit just for effect.

He wasn't? That's insane. He's literally the most hated man in football.

What page did this all start?

Although Torres timing may not be right, it's hardly a shock that things haven't gone according to plan. I can see Chelsea cashing in on Torres, now that they have had the ultimate success on the pitch. Whats the chances he will move back to Spain, Malaga? By the way, the only people who speak to Guillem Balague, are ones who want to be heard.

He's not as good as Tioté in any sane person's opinion. It'll be a clear downgrade if he's the replacement for Tioté. The worry is that he would be a stop gap, whilst we find someone more "long term". Obviously it's all speculation as there is nothing to say Tiote will go but we have to expect a serious offer.

Reckon we will do some canny deals this summer like. Loads of good players being mentioned and few poor ones, good stuff IMO.

Could he be reffering to something else then? I just can't seem to think any player would declare they were moving clubs on twitter, well apart from Barton. What's his contract situation, let me guess, in the last year of his contract? Sounds like a classic move from us.

Always thought Mulumbu to be a good player but never had him down for a move here. If he was to be added to our squad it would see us have some great depth. However, the cynic in me says that it would be a replacement for Tiote. Is that a real twitter account BTW? Strange thing to say, can't see him at Chelsea or Liverpool either. Mind you, Chelsea have the RDM link.

I was delighted when John Terry got pushed out when they lifted the trophy. That was his big moment and someones shoulder was blocking the camera from his face. He's an utter cunt and doesn't deserve to lift that trophy. However, well done to Chelsea, showed some bottle. You get what you deserve.

West Ham looked piss poor.

I must say, until he joined the club I had no idea how loved by the french Ben Arfa is. I'm still not sure why? I know he class but it's almost as if he has a pop star following, ala Beckham.

I didn't like him from the start, although I kept faith in him over the time he was here. In his first interview with Jim White he was asked how long he would be at the club for. Most players give the usual soundbite of "Well I'd like to settle here blah blah", Owen answered "My contract is for 4 years", little cunt. I think I would have forgiven his spell here had he not slagged us off on twitter.

Well someone obviously wants him. Probably Liverpool 20m?

Would you want to risk pissing off your current club for a job interview? Don't blame Rodgers.

But why does he want to leave?

My first thought was Sunderland too.

Why play Sporting Lisbon, getting a little scouting in case we get them in Europe next year?

I'd like to see: Tiote Cabaye Marveaux Ben Arfa Ba Cisse Worth a try in pre-season IMO.

Let them, they'll make more enemies. That's one thing i like about Pardew, never goes looking for bother, good lad.

Can we let Pardew off, just this once. He clearly didn't know the rules on saying the phrase "like a new signing". It's when he starts bragging about the players that want to join us that we should start worrying.