Yorkie

Bent is similar to Owen, he isn't similar to Martins.

That Sir Bob back then, we'd be up there - without a doubt. Probably Top 6, definitely not Top 4. The defense we had back then was better than the one we've got now (imo), and he couldn't really sort that one out. He wouldn't do with ours and that's probably what would be holding us back. We'd be scoring more goals, though.

Roeder's written off a few defenders. I'm beginning to wonder whether or not he's after a centre-back tbh. We have four of them after all...

It was then. Hughes was a very consistent right-back and that was the year that O'Brien was fairly solid. Dabizas blew hot and cold but was rock hard at times. Elliott, fair enough, average as ever. Dyer/Solano - dynamite. Speed, veteran - spine of the team, he held it together more than Shearer did in my opinion. Shearer/Bellamy was a good partnership n'all. Daft comment really, Invicta. don't agree at all Sorry, Sir Bob was a legend, but he's not the sole reason that we finished 4th and 3rd consecutively with that team...

It was then. Hughes was a very consistent right-back and that was the year that O'Brien was fairly solid. Dabizas blew hot and cold but was rock hard at times. Elliott, fair enough, average as ever. Dyer/Solano - dynamite. Speed, veteran - spine of the team, he held it together more than Shearer did in my opinion. Shearer/Bellamy was a good partnership n'all. Daft comment really, Invicta.

We scored our final two goals when it was 10v10 so we won it fair and square anyway!

I know it's crap replying to a post like this... but the way you set your post out it's probably the best way. Don't think we would get Distin for £2m. More like £3.5m I would guess. Possibly, but i think they might just be pleased to collect a fee. Distin doesn't seem to want to stay so City are going to want to cash in. Besides, Roeder says he doesn't want him - which is just daft in my opinion. We're crying out for a leader at the back, and there's one going on the cheap - yet Roeder is turning his nose up at him. Typical Transfer Window Roederness. I rate Baines, would hope to pick him up slightly cheaper than that though. Don't really care tbh. We want to go cheaper, we'll end up with lesser players. Baines will be worth £6m in time, probably not at the moment, but he's a quality defender in the making, and already pretty damned good at the moment. How many of those have we signed? I'd rather we spend than settle for another Baba. As said earlier, for an extra bit of money I think Beattie would represent a much better, and more motivated investment than Viduka. Don't really see why. Beattie can't score for toffee (no pun intended), and he'd cost more than Viduka - probably £4/5m, which is too much for a stopgap. Viduka is someone who will stand in the box and wait for the ball, and just score. That's EXACTLY what we need. I think Roeder has been quoted in the Chronicle recently as saying he doesn't want the fat aussie anymore anyway. Don't know enough about Diarra to comment but, anyone on loan, would be welcome by me. Nor do i mate. But he's a defensive midfielder with potential, who came to Chelsea very highly regarded and was good in his first few games apparantely. Loaning him with option to buy would a great idea imo - see what he's like. We're gonna need a replacement for Butt, may aswell start looking now!

Needs a rest.

Don't get me wrong, i'd love it if Solano were fit - but i just don't think he'll be fit enough and i can only imagine we'll damage him further if we do play him, which would be suicidal. He's one of our most important players now. Agreed though, if Drogba and Terry are out - i'll be very confident.

What a load of shit. I thought True Faith was good?

£10m in Jan? Sylvain Distin - £2m Leighton Baines - £6m Mark Viduka - £2m Lassana Diarra - Loan, Option to Buy Nobby, Taylor, Huntington, Carr all available at right-back; save that for the summer. Centre-back needed and signed. Left-back needed and signed (questionable availability but i doubt Wigan would sniff at that). Presence in box + goalscorer needed and signed. Butt replacement needed and signed. Sorted.

Don't think Solano will play. If we play the diamond again i'll be fucking livid. Most senseless thing ever. Aye - you're probably right Andy, that's what he'll play.

TF?

Newcastle 8-0 Spurs Martins (4) Sibierski (3) Dyer

Don't know how accurate this team is, it'll probably change when i've seen the squad. ----------------------------- Given ------------------------------ Huntington --------- Taylor ---------- Ramage --------------- Duff Dyer ---------------- Butt ----------- Emre ---------------- Milner ------------------- Martins ---------- Rossi ---------------------- Subs: Srnicek, Edgar, Luque, Parker, Sibierski Defence, once again, picks itself. I'd be tempted into saying that it's a shame Duff is at left-back, but as of yet - that's been his best position for us. Plus, i always feel that Milner has been very effective on the left; he played well there against Pompey and Palermo. Now, he can cut inside and shoot. Milner needs a goal desperately. He can beat men and his crossing his improving... he needs to start scoring to complete his game - he is really lacking on shots on target. I'm hoping that Parker won't be fit - and that Emre will be. Because otherwise, it'll be a Parker-Butt partnership which i just don't fancy. Dyer down the right, which is where i think he should play more often. I'd be tempted into saying that Milner on the left and Dyer down the right as my favoured wing partners - but i'd like to see if Duff picks up his game first, because i think he may well do. In my opinion, Sibi needs a rest. He's been playing excellently of late, but we saw against Watford how he was bullied out of the game by an average defender. He's had niggling injuries, and i think it's just time that he had a break. Besides, Rossi played very well last week and i've got no qualms with playing him. Others don't like him, but i do - i think we should put faith in him cos he's a canny player. After all, he's here so we may aswell use him. Roeder probbly won't but i hope so. Sibi might be a decent impact player anyway. I think we can do these. I'd be gutted if we lose. Newcastle United 1-0 Chelsea Dyer

Don't know the squad, but i'm hoping for something like this: Given Solano --- Taylor --- Moore --- Ramage Milner --- Emre --- Butt --- N'Zogbia Martins --- Owen But i think my idea of the ideal starting XI is somewhat unlikely.

Depends how we do at Bolton and Everton. If we lose both them game, we probably won't get a sell-out.

Genuine question, Thompers - not a dig... Do you like Martins?

Glen Johnson and Leighton Baines back next August 31st.

:roll: Jesus Fucking H. Poor pundit - granted. But fucking hell.

Nah. Very good in the air, but slow and inept with the ball at his feet. Would be a pretty pointless buy tbh.

£10m would be ideal for January tbh.

Same opinion as last time. Martins.

Aye - £4m is too much. For £1/2m - i'd definitely take him, absolutely no doubt.