Colos Short and Curlies

Totally agree - far too many people unwilling to face reality...the new Board have been a success in clearing debts but a failure in moving the club forward fast enough to keep pace with those behind even the top 6 ; we are a mid-table club for the foreseeable future and risk being overtaken by both the Mackems AND Boro, the latter whose Academy leaves ours standing... The table will prove who is right by January. Only point I'm picking up on is re the Academy. I'd give the board credit for the number of young players being bought to fit into the academy and reserve team regardless on your thoughts with the first team signings

There was a board meeting at my work today also. Discussing the preliminary result for August. I'm sure there are board meetings going on in most businesses today, and all football clubs to debrief on the Transfer Window

Thats why there's no announcement yet. David Craig - and who's that Scottish guy in the SSN studio who always seems to be on when there is Toon news? (he did the late shift yesterday - post 11pm)

He missed

But where is the big money signings!! (Apparently £10m on a Centre Back and £8m+ on a striker isn't big money to some)

Call a big press conference on Keegans Future..... Keegan and Ashley sat side by side. Terry Mac brings in 2 pints of Broon Ale. KK and MA down pints in unison, stand up and walk out. Job done

Can I be the first to say. Shearrrrrrerrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (thinking and hoping its bollox btw)

Oh and people have been complaining that we haven't been spending like Spurs this summer and have a low net spend. Spurs have a net income this summer now. And last season they had Berbatov and Keane up front with Bent and Defoe in reserve. They now have Bent with a 17 year old loanee from Man Utd in reserve

At the end of the day the squad appears stronger than last season. People have been banging on about getting rid of the likes of Emre, Carr, Babayaro, Ramage and even Milner for a couple of years. People have constantly complained that we never seem to unearth gems that no-body has heard of. People have quite rightly stated that we needed to spend on the defence. Well since Ashley came in we have done all of the above. Sod your Rooney, Berbatov, Robinho signings for now - as good as they all are we needed to buy balance not a star name this summer. We have added quality to the squad which should see us challenging for Europe this season. Thats progress from the last 2 years. Once we get Europe we can add the required quality to the squad to push on again.

Just posted this in Toontastic. Sums up how I feel about the squad I was thinking about the squad on my way into work today. Goal Keepers Given Harper Forster Sodeberg Krul (I aint heard anything about his move materialising) I think we are well stocked in this department, expecting to hear about Harpers contract by the end of the month. Hopefully he will sign for another couple of years as I don't think the young keepers are ready to be number 2 yet Defenders Enrique Beye Taylor Colo Cacapa Edgar Bassong I would have liked to see cover brought in for the full-backs, but the first choice back four (Colo,Enrique,Beye,Taylor) looks decent enough. Hopefully either Bassong will step up to challenge Taylor or we have someone in mind for January. Haven't seen or heard enough about the likes of Tozer to comment on the strength of our young underbelly. Midfielders Butt Guthrie Spiderman Nacho Duff Zoggy Barton (Assuming he didn't make a last minute move which we haven't heard about) Probably our weakest area, although Spidey and Zoggy have potential to be a more than decent wing pairing. We desperately need to strengthen central midfield in Jan, as I doubt Guthrie is ready to take over from Butt full time. A fit and focussed Barton will make a huge difference, as would Duff finding some form (Flying pig time). Again I don't know enough about the young reserves. If Nacho fits in well then our attacking trio here would be pretty good imo. Strikers Owen Martins Viduka Xisco Smith Ameobi Carroll Owen Martins Viduka is a great strike force on paper (and on the pitch based on our run in last season). Shame about Vidukas fitness. Hopefully Owen can continue in the same fitness vein as last season. Xisco is highly rated and has the tools to be a success in the Premier League. Martins is the key, his pace gives the team an extra dimension, hopefully his all round game can improve. So first 4 look good (fitness permitting). We have to assume Shola is shot in terms of being a viable option after Arsenal. Smith needs a run in the reserves where he can hopefully score a few goals. There was a decent player in there at one point. Carroll needs to go back on loan somewhere. 5/6 down to 12th will be tight this year, this squad is as good as any in that pack. With a decent run with injuries I reckon we will have a good season, we need re-inforcements in key areas, hopefully the three headed beast ain't sitting back and we are identifying January targets from today. There will be ups and downs, we can't expect to be beating the top 4 away from home and no doubt we will drop points to teams we should be beating. But I'm excited for the season, the best set of players since Bobby's reign.

Just posted this in Toontastic. Sums up how I feel about the squad I was thinking about the squad on my way into work today. Goal Keepers Given Harper Forster Sodeberg Krul (I aint heard anything about his move materialising) I think we are well stocked in this department, expecting to hear about Harpers contract by the end of the month. Hopefully he will sign for another couple of years as I don't think the young keepers are ready to be number 2 yet Defenders Enrique Beye Taylor Colo Cacapa Edgar Bassong I would have liked to see cover brought in for the full-backs, but the first choice back four (Colo,Enrique,Beye,Taylor) looks decent enough. Hopefully either Bassong will step up to challenge Taylor or we have someone in mind for January. Haven't seen or heard enough about the likes of Tozer to comment on the strength of our young underbelly. Midfielders Butt Guthrie Spiderman Nacho Duff Zoggy Barton (Assuming he didn't make a last minute move which we haven't heard about) Probably our weakest area, although Spidey and Zoggy have potential to be a more than decent wing pairing. We desperately need to strengthen central midfield in Jan, as I doubt Guthrie is ready to take over from Butt full time. A fit and focussed Barton will make a huge difference, as would Duff finding some form (Flying pig time). Again I don't know enough about the young reserves. If Nacho fits in well then our attacking trio here would be pretty good imo. Strikers Owen Martins Viduka Xisco Smith Ameobi Carroll Owen Martins Viduka is a great strike force on paper (and on the pitch based on our run in last season). Shame about Vidukas fitness. Hopefully Owen can continue in the same fitness vein as last season. Xisco is highly rated and has the tools to be a success in the Premier League. Martins is the key, his pace gives the team an extra dimension, hopefully his all round game can improve. So first 4 look good (fitness permitting). We have to assume Shola is shot in terms of being a viable option after Arsenal. Smith needs a run in the reserves where he can hopefully score a few goals. There was a decent player in there at one point. Carroll needs to go back on loan somewhere. 5/6 down to 12th will be tight this year, this squad is as good as any in that pack. With a decent run with injuries I reckon we will have a good season, we need re-inforcements in key areas, hopefully the three headed beast ain't sitting back and we are identifying January targets from today. There will be ups and downs, we can't expect to be beating the top 4 away from home and no doubt we will drop points to teams we should be beating. But I'm excited for the season, the best set of players since Bobby's reign.

He's doing Football Monopoly

Whats the betting that if he goes to Pompey and loveable Arry 'Deputy Dawg' Redknapp that he gets off scott free from the FA. Throw the book at him if he leaves I say!

Quater to 9 - Talksport 'Huge' Transfer Triangle rumour involving Pompey - Toon - Spuds. Barton and Diarra no doubt

£36m Real bid - he's not worth anything like that!

Yes. SOmeone else check, but I think this title suggests that he is touchable!

Think they'll be breaking even or even making a profit on their transfers so far if Berbatov goes for 30m. They'll have 20m or so to spend if they want, and I think they might spend it on Arshavin. You mean they will have a small NET spend? Heaven forbid!

Come on Xisco is a much cooler name than Owen. And Gonzales just sounds cool. Remeber the Giant Gonzales from WWE early 90s? He was huge!

Who's Jimmy Briand?

We really need to sign a Mexican now.

My prediction for Smith. A late, late, late loan move to the Toffees. Would be happy with his wages off the books

Is he as Jonasexual as Guiterrez?

Please please please please please be true!!!! In case anyone doesn't know. Radio City is the Capital of Car Crime's version of Metro Radio. They even have their own Alan Robson (or used to anyway!) by the name of Pete Price. His shows were brilliant when I was at Uni there

10? we sold Milner for 12. This is Owen your talking about, at today's rate we'd easily get 20+ for him. Edit- Still i'd rather him in our side. Owen to Real Madrid (last season of contract) £8m Serious injury later (and 4 years added on to his age) Owen to xxxx (last season of contract) £20m? Not likely really (unfortunately)

Before I start, my preference is for Owen to stay. But... If Citeh are interested and have mucho cash - £10m may be tempting to sell him. Xisco and Martins as a first choice pairing. Maybe Saviola on loan....