STM

Let's see if he's in their squad tonight. McLeish said they had given permission for him to speak to us, no mention of any other clubs. The likelyhood is that he will join us.

Not one of them moves would be considered an "in the know" scoop. All of them have been widely mooted in the media. It would be like me saying; "I have it on good authority that Dzeko will be joing Man City in the next couple of days."

We've spent all season complaining about our inablity to see off the smaller teams man. smaller? or worse? think about what you're saying. The teams in and around us then. well ok, but i'm still not sure what you're trying to say. losing to stoke and blackpool isnt such a great shame, they're both good teams this season imo, blackburn were doing ok at the time under allardyce and we didnt lose to fulham. my post was just to put things in context to be honest because it's results like this that lead to some people booing when we draw at home, because they think 5-0 against west ham= 3 points against such and such. I see what you mean but i don't see many people over-reacting. Just happy with a good win, an important win too.

We've spent all season complaining about our inablity to see off the smaller teams man. smaller? or worse? think about what you're saying. The teams in and around us then.

Ex-Birmingham City board member? Seems unlikely All the better. I was aware he was a Brum fan, had no idea he had been on their board though.

We've spent all season complaining about our inablity to see off the smaller teams man.

Liverpool imploding is so satisfying.

"Who's your next manager Jasper Carrot?"

Excluding our resident Brummie, i'd love to see Villa go down. If would be poetic if we were the ones who put the nail in their coffin too. They have some really good players but they also have some really poor ones IMO. The likes of Collins and Dunne who have been awful at times, aswell as Reo-Coker and Petrov who are uninspiring to say the least. The also rely heavily on youngsters and has-beens like Heskey and Pires. There are three factors which may save them; 1. The january transfer window 2. The undoubted qualities of Young and Downing 3. West Ham, Wigan and West Brom

The truth of the matter is that both positions need looked at. It certainly wouldn't weaken us to bring in a player like Bentley. If we do, in the summer, we should review the left of our midfield too.

You are looking at the game in the wrong way. Yes it would give us a selection headache but isn't that what having a strong squad is about? The same situation will occur when we have Gosling and Ben Arfa back anyway. IMO we have a good first team, but now it's about squad building and adding to what we have got.

Ok then Jol if you are so ITK, what's the liklihood of Bentley joining us?

Playing very well this season Sunderland, got to give them credit. Last night there back four was (i think): Bardsley Ferdinand Bramble Richardson If that four come up against Carroll and Shola, then they are in for a tough game IMO.

I gave up on Xisco along time ago. I don't see why we didn't address this issue in the summer. Surely a loan to Spain (again) or a permanent switch somewhere would have benefitted all parties. I have no problem with the lad or any real judgement on his ability, given that we've barely seen him play, but it's time for him to move on.

I hope Chelsea pip Spurs to fourth place, that would make it easier to retain Carroll in the summer. It's not so much losing Carroll, more seeing him in a Spurs shirt that would annoy me. They aren't a better club and quite frankly their bubble will burst when dirty 'arry takes the england job.

I don't even think Ashley works on "budgets".

Out of the Spurs rejects i'd have Krancjar over Bentley. While we are at it we should see if we can tempt Corluka too

Keane was never a good option long term.

As long as he's on the pitch in an attacking capacity, i'm not really bothered where he plays tbh. The fact that he can play in 3/4 positions makes it such an excellent signing.

The most likely link so far has been David Wheater from Boro. Not disclosing whether i think that is a good thing or not.

If it goes ahead: Krul Simpson Colo Williamson Enrique Tiote Nolan Barton Jonas Carroll Ranger

Must have missed all these "clangers". He's had another very good season IMO, uncomparable to last year.

and Jose. Aye but you know how it looks if you just fill the team full of your own players. We could all do that. I must admit i was tempted to stick Onuoha in instead of Sagna too but just couldn't do it.

We are closing in on the half way point in the league, who has stuck out so far? Hart Sagna Vidic Toure Baines Nani Cahill Nasri Bale Carroll Elmander

Players. But don't they vote at a daft time in the year? Can't remember how it works. There will be a lot of centre halves who will vote for Carroll mind. And a lot of RBs/RMs voting for Bale ... Well played sir. Bale is certainly the more media friendly vote.