AyeDubbleYoo

Fitness is by far the biggest factor in small-sided games, mainly because we don't do what the game was designed for and pass it around short. If we did that properly, and maintained possession, fitness wouldn't be a factor.

Erm, have we reached 100 pages? I think not.

Maybe Hughton is operating under the Ashley press-hate rules, remember when they basically released a statement saying "fuck off" to the media? He might have to just say there's been no contact in every situation. I can't even recall him saying he actually was interested in a player, even the one's who've signed. Possibly...

Well yes, we have one player who gets loads of credit for running about like a headless chicken, and shouts at everyone else for not doing it. That's irritating. Also one who is much better than the rest of us but therefore feels he needs to try to walk the ball in and take ridiculous shots. My girlfriend is always complaining about her team actually, she says she can't get them to play one-touch passing football, or keep possession by passing backwards. They are women though.

I agree, mental. I know the press make stuff up, but I'd be surprised if Marseille completely invented our interest. Anyway, it was always extremely unlikely, just wait and see what happens.

The most irritating thing about mine is the emphasis on "trying hard" and "getting stuck in" over actually playing football properly. When ever we lose we go on about not closing down quickly enough or "competing for every ball", with no mention of the fact we give the ball away after every second pass.

Is that you Chris?

This was always massively unlikely though, wasn't it? So none of these developments that seem to cast doubt on it are actually a surprise, or a sign that the club has fucked anything up.

They can get goals at the top level though, well Bent and Jones can anyway. Campbell might turn out to be good, dunno Jones is overated imo, I was one of the people who thought when he first joined them that he looked a player similar to drogba, my god how wrong was I Possibly, still too early to say though I reckon. I think if he could stay fit for a whole season he would be top quality.

They can get goals at the top level though, well Bent and Jones can anyway. Campbell might turn out to be good, dunno

70 is the new 60 though.

Arsenal would be best, just because of the way they play and the bullshit criticism they get for it. Wouldn't mind Liverpool TBH, I like Hodgson and Joe Cole and Torres is class. Will never happen, but would certainly be better than Man City winning it.

They're an average squad with good forwards, that will ensure they finish above us. We're an average squad with average forwards.

I would jizz. Don't believe it's possible though.

If you sell your soul you have to be prepared for the consequences... no sympathy for any of them.

Er, nobody has said he wasn't brilliant. The question was about his behaviour, not his ability. Obviously no doubt he was class for us while here.

We need a symbol to shine into the sky when we want Baba's opinion... like the bat signal.

He couldn't honestly expect them to turn down £30m for Milner, surely? (If that's the reason for this). Ah well, something to talk about until Ben Arfa signs!

He can be a moaning little fucker at times, his ego is obviously pretty sizeable. He should have waited until the end of our season before jumping ship really, but at the same time the club should never have little him go for such an insanely low price. I voted Judas, but it was a close one. I wouldn't want him back now unless it was for significantly less than we sold him.

There's one know factor that suggests a holding midfielder is required though - the fact that our defence will be horribly exposed through the middle and torn to shreds by most competent attacking sides.

Just to say again, will be class if this comes off. Can't remember last time we actually made an exciting signing.

I know everyone usually hates a new kit, but this one is awful. I was looking forward to Puma, but the quality is absolutely terrible.

Yep, 25 more pages for your reading enjoyment.

Well sort of, you're trying to prevent your defenders from being exposed to 1-on-1 situations too often, and having to make hero tackles to prevent chances. I think to accommodate a totally defensive midfielder, you need other midfielders who are very mobile so as not to deprive attacks of the numbers they need to work. If the rest of the team is static and unable to attack effectively, then I think you're right about it turning into a five-man defence.