KaKa

I'd be really happy for this to happen now. If only because it will point to things being well behind the scenes. If we end up having some major fallout and having to change manager it will be devastating for the current bunch of players I think.

I know ... It's so crazy because with all this coming up now, I couldn't help but recall what the Bournemouth fan @cherryred said on here a good three years ago, before there was even any hint of unrest.

This is a fair point, though I can't imagine it being the case really. But maybe we have others in mind, or will just be sitting tight. Guess we'll see soon enough.

The thing is I don't think any less of Howe, but if he has a particular way of working and it doesn't marry up with the direction the club is trying to go ... then a certain result is inevitable. Guess we'll see what happens. Certainly won't be turning on him, or getting on his back or anything. I still want him to do well, but the signs don't look too great. I'm no longer certain his position is that secure.

45 million Euros for goodness sake. This is a disaster for us man. Passed up on so many really good options.

Kanji man ... This is so much bigger than just these two signings at this point. However, it does seem to be exposing an issue in the way our structure has been put in place. Once we had Amanda and Mehdrad bring Howe in before a DOF and allow him the freedom to run the recruitment, the precedent was set. In actuality, the only way this whole thing would have worked is if the owners gave a contract to Amanda and Mehdrad to continue to run things, and perhaps promoted Nickson to DOF as he was already working in tandem with Howe regarding recruitment. Ashworth has since come in and there have been issues there, with some not so ideal transfer decisions during that period. We tried for Freedman who seemed keen, but that fell through, and now you have to wonder if he heard something he didn't like during the process. Mitchell supposedly turned the role down first time around, until we went back to him and supposedly gave him more say over things. Mitchell then comes in, and Howe's initial reaction was very tense, and stated concerns about being allowed to work how he had been previously. However, that was under Amanda and Mehdrad, who gave him final say on all matters, and supposedly isolated Ashworth. That didn't look like it was going to be allowed to continue with Amanda and Mehdrad now having left. Howe has maintained we are shopping from a small pool of players, which I always found odd. But fine, if he states his preferences being from that pool. However, any difficulties with getting those players, and the DOF has to be allowed to move for alternatives. It's looking like this is a huge issue though, and if so, I just don't see how it can continue. It is going to be impossible for the DOF to put a plan in place without the cooperation from his manager/head coach. If by tomorrow we have some other targets come in instead, then that would be a huge relief, and would point towards a more collaborative way of working that could come together over time. If not though, I think we have a problem that is going to come to a head.

I can see what's coming man. These narratives aren't coming out for no reason. It's looking like this thing is about to be blown up, and it might well be full scale changes, with the DOF doing a complete rebuild, including getting his own man in.

The thing with someone like Mitchell is that he is so experienced at the highest level, that he would not only have access to a database with a bunch of players, but he will also have great contacts all over the place to recommend available players that fit the bill. The signs aren't looking good at all, as it does seem we may be being too rigid with the kind of players we are looking at, and it is looking more and more likely that this is coming from the manager. We've seen some really good names bandied about that could be alternatives, and if none come through by tomorrow, then I'm losing faith that this thing is going to work.

It's unacceptable and honestly, this is likely going to mean we have to make some big changes going forward.

They finally got to me man This is absolutely ridiculous!

I have so much to say about this, but it can wait till tomorrow. But yeah, if this is what's going on, then even further changes might be needed at the club.

Man ... if the window closes without us going for someone else, with the Guehi deal having fallen through, I fear that might be it for me, and i'm going over to the dark side. I will wait until then.

There's no way we just shut up shop because we can't get this guy, surely. That would be so lame. I'm going to wait till the window shuts, but I have some pretty harsh thoughts if the Guehi deal doesn't happen, and we just do nothing.

Nah, no way. If Simakan doesn't happen, then at the very least we get Disasi in on loan tomorrow I reckon. I logged on to see Simakan holding the shirt for goodness sake. I blame the bed wetters for this, their bad energy has brought all this about!!!

Confirmed?! What's the word on Simakan?

Trying to catch up on what's happened today, but it absolutely reeks of piss in here. What's going on?!

Simakan would actually allow us to reverse the 3 centre back type setup we have used when Dan Burn was at left back, and then Trippier would really push forward. Instead now, we could also sometimes have Simakan play that role at right back, and it would allow Hall who is more attack minded to really push forward, which would suit him.

Was thinking this yesterday. Always remember them getting great deals late on. Remember the Van Der Vaart one really annoyed me at the time.

Think this certainly has something to do with things. However, it's another way we can increase our commercial income and so the club is going to have to figure out how to navigate it all better, so the players are still well prepared for the season.

Yup. Looked like he was a way off being ready. Still really young though, so has time on his side. Don't think he's right for us at the minute.

Hmmm ... intriguing!

Howe in his post match interview, says Willock said he had a cramp like feeling and pain in his thigh. Might turn out to be okay. Was out for a long while, so hopefully just his body still adjusting and not an injury per se.