Ronaldo

Just got back from the ground, great to see so many opposition suppoters there paying their respects

I think with the added responsibility of captaincy that Barton would perhaps flourish and lose the more undesirable aspects of his game. However, it is almost inevitable that Steven Taylor will one day captain the side, and there's no time like the present. yes, especially in Shearer's case

I remember a year back when people (including Davey boy) accused me of bullshiting about the Coloccini signing. I hope you're right Thomo

Very good RB is Beye. But there was a noticeable if not blatant reduction in the quality of his peformances last season. If Villa play him and Milner on the same side they'll have zero penetration

Bramble managed 16th

I almost hate to say it but we badly need to keep Coloccini

C Ronaldo Messi Kaka Casillas Drogba Torres Lampard Iniesta Ferdinand Xavi would probably be my top 10, Gerrard narrowly misses out

Good post Sheff Wed was 8-0 though

Fucking hell, you lads have had over 2 months to get used to it man. I'm really looking forward to the season, despite our awful situation

Gerrard is world class. <Soz like> I understand why you'd not include him due to lack of International success, but does that mean the likes of Essien and Drogba should be disregarded here? Or what about the likes of Best, Cantona, Di Stefano, Litmanen, Weah, Giggs who never even played at a World Cup, should they be disregarded in laying claim to World Class status? Now I know the majority of them played for inferior teams than England, but Englands failings as a whole can be put to blame for lack of international pedigree. Drogba is worshipped like a god in the Ivory Coast, he's brilliant at international level. Colo's SAC didn't neccessarily mean success as in silverwear Isn't he worshipped like a god, because he's an absolutely amazing player playing for a nation that doesn't exactly have a massive history of producing world class players? Scoring goals against Burundi, Malawi, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Benin, Libya etc when you're the main focal point of a team's attack doesn't really go alot to proving whether you're a top quality international player? Not that I'm saying Drogba isn't, but purely for arguments sake. He plays well for them consistently, be it against Holland or Argentina or whoever. Gerrard on the other hand looks a different player in the england shirt

Gerrard is world class. <Soz like> I understand why you'd not include him due to lack of International success, but does that mean the likes of Essien and Drogba should be disregarded here? Or what about the likes of Best, Cantona, Di Stefano, Litmanen, Weah, Giggs who never even played at a World Cup, should they be disregarded in laying claim to World Class status? Now I know the majority of them played for inferior teams than England, but Englands failings as a whole can be put to blame for lack of international pedigree. Drogba is worshipped like a god in the Ivory Coast, he's brilliant at international level. Colo's SAC didn't neccessarily mean success as in silverwear

Didn't Sheikh Mohammed try to buy us in November but Ashley sat dranking instead of talking to his representatives? I'd be surprised if he had owt to do with this lastest buyout offer

Nolan is such a waste of space

has to be a mistake that like, he doesn't look anywhere near 14 stone to me having seen him up close on wednesday

that's very, very nice

I wouldn't accept any less than £12m plus a player in todays market

I'll lose respect for Beye if he goes to Hull, he'll just be looking for another club in 10 months time when they get relegated with 20 points

I personally cannot wait to see Hughton's 'team' selection for WBA

why? he's a disruptive t*** So what? Craig Bellamy could start a gang war in a petting zoo, i'd still have had him here for the duration of his carrer if possible

too right. Although Beye's performance on Wednesday was nowt short of a disgrace, friendly or not

Very pleased with this if true

Yes, he's one of their better presenters. Football knowledge is pretty woeful though

Joey Barton

Taylor as captain is the last thing we need although I did warm to him at the end of last season somewhat. Wholehearted player and probably a good championship defender but by and large an idiot Harper or Barton

and we're left with who when Harper leaves, joker?