AyeDubbleYoo

Our recent past is probably our biggest problem, say the years since Bobby left. Before that we were respectable and a big draw to players. It also has affected our fans badly and the way we are seen and see ourselves. Makes things like Milner going seem like a disaster, when they're actually very routine. Our recent past has shaken us all up, we need to hope we have the strength in the staff to regain some stability.

Argh!

According to Sky: SWP doesn't want to joing City or Everton: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4056605,00.html and Barry is staying at Villa: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4056628,00.html Interesting... looks like SWP wants to stay at Chelsea, the crazy little man.

That would make sense, but there's no link between Liverpool getting Barry and SWP coming here is there?

If the inevitable result was that he was always going to leave, then IMO the club have done reasonably well in how they've handled it. First he was signed up to a new deal (increasing his value), then he was made to hand in a formal transfer request (denying him any bonuses I assume). Maybe he's still suffering hurt pride from when we tried to offload him last time. Certainly seems like KK rates him.

In no way did Milner play like he wants away, he actually put in a good shift and created a lot of problems for Coventry IMO.

If did manage to sell him and get in SWP I would be happy with that... his end product might be a bit suspect but so is Milner's.

Strange timing, just as he gets a couple of games and is gaining in stature he wants away again. As people have said though, this has prob been going on for a while. If he wants away he's by no means essential to us, I still don't know what would make another club shell out anything in the region of £8m.

Dyer was pretty fit, when he could keep himself fit... if you know what I mean.

I think last night was a bit generous to Coventry to be honest, I don't think it was a case of us being too gung-ho and 'we'll score loads but let in loads'. We were just on the end of a couple of soft goals that could have happen to nearly anybody. Love the KK style as well though, it encourages players to get the ball down and move it, and that will bring the best out of the players we have. Just need maybe a bit more dynamism in the centre of midfield. Makes me ill to think back to the Allardyce brand of non-football.

Got to say, I think the players should have to pay for their own accomodation!

That's true, but it's well within the player's power to sort things out. The guy has X thousand pounds a week coming in to his bank account, he could easily have got himself a nice flat/house, gone out to meet people and embraced the lifestyle. The weekend is the busiest time for a footballer? You're joking, it's not like that in Spain! It was his choice to come here, he needs to zip it IMO. To be fair though, Manchester is ridiculously wet!

Thought Owen's finish was pretty impressive, seemed from our end as if the ball just took a wicked bobble away from him, but he still managed to adjust and get the shot in. A lot of other players would have missed that, the guy's class.

Can't believe they're still writing that stuff, depressing.

Quality control is what it is, really impressive. No risks are being taken on anyone with suspect character, fitness or application. Still be idiots in the media saying Newcastle have 'struggled in the transfer market'. A few more like them please guys...

I was impressed with a few little bursts of his, one where he beat a defender to a ball into the corner. Obviously won't outpace Evra and Clichy, but I think he still has more than enough to be going on with.

Love it

Cut the ball from Mifusd, turned around, outside of the foot from 50 yards straight to the path of Owen who scored Thought it came fairly out of nowhere, awesome. I thought Enrique looked reasonably good, especially in the tackle where he's immense at muscling people off the ball. Will be great, just needs to be eased in and developed.

I thought Geremi started really well, and I was planning to come on here saying how he should be in the team for sure, but he really faded quite quickly.

Didn't get that good a view of the pass tonight, anyone care to talk me through it?

Just got back due to turning back onto the motorway rather than off for my house With a forward on the pitch the scoreline would have been embarrassing. We were unlucky not to score a couple more, and if we had the game would have been over at half time. A few players still rusty, Beye included. I thought Bassong looked really comfortable and assured which is excellent. From that performance he would be pushing Taylor quite hard for a league starting place. Zog looked much happier in an attacking role, though Jonas did have an average game (based on huge expectations of course). Was always going to be a tricky tie, just happy to be 'in the hat'.

The West Ham guy is Freddy Sears. Eastwood use to play for Southend and Wolves, also has some pace on him. Ah right, though I was mixed up, cheers.

Is Freddy Eastwood the guy on loan from West Ham? If so I'm pleased he's not playing, looked pacy and dangerous last season.

I'm off home in a few minutes as well, hoping the traffic's not going to be too bad. Got a couple of hours to get there though, howay the lads.

I like SWP but I worry he would frustrate a lot of our fans with his hit-and-miss end product. On balance would like to see him here though, a bit of pace on the right would balance us out nicely.