AyeDubbleYoo

Let's hope the Gooch is an exception eh?

I would laugh if it wasn't so serious To be fair though, it isn't our fault we're always being 'linked' with people when a journo has nothing to write.

I can't see him leaving after playing so little for us, he seems like an honest guy who would want to earn his wages and repay our faith in him. Also, we will have quite an exciting attacking team with everyone available again, I bet he's looking forward to playing with Martins. Yeah, he's a little trooper alright. He won't want to leave a club he has no inherent feelings for. I'm not saying he loves us or anything, but I think he has professional integrity to a certain extent (not that I know him personally, just going on the impression I get). You don't have to have been delivered on the Gallowgate to be committed to the club. Stop being so cynical man...

Hmm, and Dyer offers something that not many other England players do with his ability to dribble and carry the ball. I would like to see Milner get a go too, but maybe in a while when he has a bit more premiership experience.

Yep, I think people did notice an improvement in our solidity at the back, and more importantly our willingness to put our bodies on the line for a block, clearance etc. I think when he has a couple more players to work with he will do even better with the defence. Also, he's a good old fashioned no-nonsense type of characted, which is something most toon fans can relate to - and what they seem to look for in players and coaches.

I can't see him leaving after playing so little for us, he seems like an honest guy who would want to earn his wages and repay our faith in him. Also, we will have quite an exciting attacking team with everyone available again, I bet he's looking forward to playing with Martins.

I think he's been saying pretty much the same thing all along hasn't he? Owen says: "Hopefully I might be back this season, but it could be next..." Headline version 1: "Owen Targets Early Return" Headline version 2: "Owen 'Might Not Play This Season' " The press eh?

Any particular reason you think this? simply by going from what i saw in the world cup, he seemed strong and solid at times but then make some really silly fouls, just like our Bramble. Obviously it isn't great evidence to judge a player on the world cup, like it would be idiotic to say Gerrard is crap because he didn't shine in Germany, but i haven't seen him play elsewhere. Fair enough, I haven't seen him at all so looking for any eye-witness accounts! Let's hope he is generally more consistent. Or at least that he has the knack of making mistakes that don't lead to goals!

Any particular reason you think this?

He's shaved the hair, must mean business

Maybe you are right about this But when i think about the summer i really doubt that we will spend so much money that you are suggesting I hope im wrong Hmm, don't get me wrong, I don't think we'll spend massively, but the opportunities and circumstances might be more favourable. If I'm encouraged by anything it's the way we seem to be adding quality to the squad. I still believe Duff, Martins, Onyewu will be successes. So if we continue to do that I think we'll be OK. All this is with the optimistic hat on though

We can only hope that if Roeder does a decent job this season then Fred will loosen the purse strings in the summer. I can (kind of) understand Fred's point of view though, a large volume of badly thought out signings for big money have got us nowhere in the last few seasons really. Much better to bring in less players but really make sure they are the ones. I agree we could have done with a couple of stop-gaps though (given the current injury situation). Overall, a few factors combining (Previous wasteful spending, takeovers hanging in the air, Roeder having not proven himself yet, better players become available in the summer etc) meaning we are reluctant to spend at this stage.

Well the medical centre's no problem, but a fax machine? I haven't seen one for years Local Post Office will have one, Glenn could stroll down to one in town after the match Aye, if Freddy will release the 10p fee!

Well the medical centre's no problem, but a fax machine? I haven't seen one for years

Ryan

They would need a bloody big smokescreen to hide that

Babel's amazing on Pro Evo, that's good enough for me

I know, I only mentioned summer because it looks like we aren't going to get anyone in this window. We should have moved heaven and earth to get a decent LB. I was impressed by Warnock in the cup, he's only 25 as well (I think). I think if we have had some contact with Chelsea about Bridge, and we get him in the summer, I'll be prepared to forgive Glenn and Freddy then.

Agreed. Encouraging to see the vote is so much in his favour, he could be the sort of player the majority of fans warm to (big, physical, committed). Although he hasn't got many games to prove himself, I think he will do enough to earn a permanent deal. Would be excellent to get our centre backs sorted now so we can spend the summer bringing in fullbacks to complete the picture.

Not nearly as much as mine

Phew, my new avatar was beginning to look premature

I'm fairly pleased with this, although obviously a couple of fullbacks would have been ideal. From what I've read it seems like he's got a good attitude, and sure wor Nigel Pearson can work his magic and make him more consistent with positioning and that. It will also make a change to have some sort of physical presence. If we got him and Babel in I'd say the transfer window hadn't been a complete failure (although I know Babel is unlikely).

Did Olly write a whole article without saying 'wide of the mark'? Maybe he's getting the message!

I'd think that would be a good deal considering the guy's age and potential. We could always sell him on for about 8mil if he doesn't do it. Think it's worth a go, and hey, it's almost worth 4.5m just to get Luque of the payroll.

I can't blame them at all when the standard of the local press is as dire as it is. This smacks of Oliver saying, 'well they won't talk to me so I'll have a snipe at them in print'. I couldn't give a monkey's what the players say to the press. Most of Oliver's 'rumours' and stories are pure fiction anyway. Or am I wide of the mark? Also, it's typical of Oliver to identify himself as part of the club at one time (anyone see his cringe-worthy videos?) and then the fans at another.