Ashley17

Young Blackburn keeper, with the Under 21s apparently

Scott Loach and Franky Fielding (both keepers) called up by England to replace the injured Ben Foster. Fuck. Me.

What a finish

Maybe sluggish was a bit harsh, basically he didn't impress me against PSV - with either goal. Add that to the fact that, in my opinion, he got steadily worse as last season progressed, it worries me a little. But I'd still rather have him in goal than Krul at this point in time, as Krul isn't the finished article yet.

Van Der Sar, James, Friedel etc. are all old keepers but they're also international keepers who have played probably 5 times as many games as Harper in their careers. At the top of their careers, they all had claims to be the best in their country, therefore any decline in age still meant they were pretty damn good. Harper has always been a canny keeper, but the natural decline in age will be more noticeable when he wasn't all that to begin with.

Harper has seemed sluggish in pre-season, he's not getting any younger and I can certainly see him being replaced before the season's out unless he bucks his ideas up.

Well that's it, the pre-season programme is done., the players have had their last chance in a match environment to force their way into Hughton's starting 11 in 9 days time. Who do you think has come out of the friendlies with an enhanced reputation? Who has made their lives difficult? Positives Leon Best - The man who couldn't score has positively filled his boots, with a might haul of 2 goals. Good header at PSV and a decent finish at Carlisle. By no means should he be in the first 11, but maybe he will be seen as slightly less of a donkey - a goat perhaps? Either way, well done Leon on being slightly less ridiculous. Wayne Routledge - Many see him as our best attacking outlet and he has a lot to prove this season. Good performances, particularly at Carlisle, have enhanced that view, and maybe with a lethal striker he'd do even better. Was quite quiet today though. Joey Barton - With a run of games, and no misdemeanours, Barton could be brilliant this season. He's got through all the pre-season games without being a cunt, which in itself is an achievement. Awful penalty against Depor though (first time) Nile Ranger - Scored a few across first team and reserve games, encouraging at least but should go out on loan. Tim Krul - A sort of error against Norwich aside, Krul has made good saves in most of the games he's played in. Xisco - Has turned up again and seems to have at least made his way into the plans, as opposed to being farmed out again Negatives James Perch - Haven't been impressed with Perch, in any position. I worry how he'd do against better players. Andy Carroll - No goals is worrying for the new number 9, not that he's missed a truck load but maybe that's telling in itself. Danny Guthrie - I've always liked Guthrie but the amount of times I've heard "Guthrie gives the ball away" is worrying. We'll see. Alan Smith - Doesn't seem to be a regular anymore, and is set to lose the captaincy. Good.

Zog was played by France Under 21s as a left back, maybe that's how the French Football Federation see him? Would hope not for his sake now that there's a new manager etc. but we'll see.

Shame he's at Birmingham then, really.

Ashley: We would like to offer you Xisco on Loan Depor chairman: Hmm, we will if we can also have Jose Enrique on loan Ashley: But you still take Xisco off our hands, right? Probably the worst rumour I've ever read in the history of newspaper rumours.

All of a sudden it seems very obvious why Nolan will be named captain

I assume you've googled her at some point, if not get to it, your life will be that litte bit better

Southampton!? (Based on your previous craic)

Marseille win, whoop de doo

Ben Arfa scores his pen, just.

Benjamin playing? He is, only been watching from 85ish minutes onwards but doesn't seem like I've missed much. See if he takes a pen

Watching the French Charity Shield on Liverpool TV(!?), about to go to pens

Liverpool TV is, if you have it of course.

Dann and Johnston are PL class, Williamson isn't. Out of interest, did you think that last season before Dann and Johnson played? Haven't you realised who you're asking this of? Yes but I was hoping that his flat mate had a season ticket at St Andrews last season, and another two at the Ricoh Arena and Ninian Park during the 2008-09 season.

Dann and Johnston are PL class, Williamson isn't. Out of interest, did you think that last season before Dann and Johnson played?

Howay man, he did a flip when he scored and he had that cheeky look about him, he's just misunderstood

My brother reckons Kenwyne might go back to Stoke. Anybody know anything? I thought they bought him from Southampton ? Was he at Stoke before that or on loan to them ? Would be a good fit there I think, fits Pulis's mould. Was on loan there iirc.

1 player doesn't make a team you know I'm fully aware, but when that player scores the majority of your goals, it has a huge bearing on things. Take Bent out of their team and where do you think they'll finish assuming he isn't replaced by someone as good as or better?

They didn't play Bent, and they played a top European side, I'm sure they won't be losing much sleep over it.