AyeDubbleYoo

Yep, the release of Titus is definitely as much a statement of intent as it is a pure football decision. We can't afford to be laughed at any more, and Big Sam obviously is aware of what a joke our 'defence' had become.

Yep, I think you're right - I just hope Carr & Baba (if they stay) are only considered back-up and we get some decent FBs in. Also, are there enough players available to build a whole defence this summer? I hope so.

This is the only thing I'm worried about, I think our need for fullbacks is greater than our need for CBs, and we should have replaced Baba and Carr first up. As long as we get the players in though I suppose it's OK.

Worst kept secret in football, and all that?? Hilarious how he says 'my information is...', aye, you and the rest of the country Alan

I'd like to believe that's true, but I fear it might be Freddy running his gob again.

In a way I'm a bit sad for Titus, it's such a shame that he couldn't match his concentration to his natural ability - some games he looks class.

Day 1 and The Sun are writing sensationalist bollocks, and some people are already on Sam's case? Not surprised, but disappointed

I dont think so this time, i think he's genuinely pissed at the cunt for disrespecting the club and is letting him know he's on thin ice. With no manager in charge Zoggy thinks he's not accountable for his actions, but FS is dealing with it by blasting him, then SA can take if from there afterwards. Makes good sense to me. I see what you're saying, I just think that it is the manager's job to deal with this sort of thing - and either way it should be done in private. I know this isn't an ideal world though, and I can certainly see why Fred is pissed off. What we don't want to do is spite ourselves by making relations with Zog irreparable just as a new manager is coming in who might have been able to salvage the situation.

Fair enough, Zog's attitude seems to have been crap - although this is only based on rumours and press speculation. All I think is that in these times of a new manager and clean slate for everyone, Freddy should keep his views out of the papers and let Sam deal with things behind the scenes. Fred is just trying to protect his own position by appearing to be the no-nonsense 'man of the people' rubbish. I don't think all is lost for Zog once Sam has had a word, I'm sure he will be sensible enough to go in softly softly, then decide if he needs a 'kick up the arse' later.

First read it as 2nd June. He's good, but he's not that good

Fucking yes forgot about him.... Ah, I was too slow. The guy is literally unlistenable, and ruins every programme he spews his nonsense onto.

The rubbish that the Chron/Journal print as actual fact is ridiculous, and I feel sorry for anyone who uses that as their main source of information about the club. Daft. Top attitude, still only 22 years of age, and 17 goals in his first season. Crikey. Too right, the rubbish the Chron/Journal come out with as if it's fact is scary, and I feel sorry for anyone who takes their word for things that are going on at the club. Also, Pearson could well just be pissed off with the general failure this season, the sacking of the guy who employed him - and also his (possibly) impending receipt of his P45 under a new manager.

Weird logic - surely if it's not a serious injury then there's no evidence that he will 'break down all the time'?

On 'Score' Sir Les reckoned it looked more like concussion, so hopefully nothing too serious after all.

The Shepherd/Oliver situation is just another example of something that makes our club a joke - it's just as well more people don't know about the goings on nationally. Do any other clubs have these journalist parasites?

Not a chance really, esp if we get Sam. I think much more likely to finish higher next season than lower I reckon. Might just be blind optimism though.

I'm happy but don't think this answers all of our problems. But I do have faith that Sam can see and rectify the obvious deficencies in our side (e.g. not having a defence).

I think part of the reason we struggle (relatively) at international level is that we are too quick to change our style to match our opponents, we don't play at the all-action, premiership pace that we should. It almost seems as if we are trying to prove we are as cultured, patient, technical etc as other nations. No need for it IMO. The way Man Utd destroyed Roma is a good point.

Better than Nobby? Not sure, Nobby will last this year, but I fear for him if he ends up playing there for a full season. Also, his creativity might be better used further forward. Hopefully by next season we won't have that decision to make, due to the signing of a high quality RB.

I still think Bramble might be a decent stop-gap at RB until we get a better one. Given Bramble Taylor Onyewu Edgar Milner Butt Emre NZogbia Dyer Martins I'm not sure about Dyer/Martins either, but should be OK as long as we keep the fecking ball on the floor.

Invicta, Wenger has completely transformed Arsenal football club from top to bottom - first team, youth developoment, scouting, he even specified features of the new stadium. You don't find many managers with his level of foresight, intelligence and a clear football philosophy. To say he's overrated is ridiculous IMO.

I know this thread isn't about the state of the club (would you believe), but I do agree that some people have an exaggerated idea of how far we've 'fallen'. Spurs have proven that the trip from mid table also-rans to champions league hopefuls is a surprisingly short one. In the same way we've gone in the wrong direction in the last 5 years, but it isn't terminal and I believe it's possible to make the return journey in not-that-long a time.

Shay has weaknesses it's true - commanding the area being one and distibution another, but these might be symptoms of the wider confusion and lack of confidence gripping our team and especially the back four. I'd go as far as to say we might have gone down in the Souness era if it wasn't for Seamus.

Something's obviously done Michael's head in if he thinks he should be in the full England squad

I love (I think this is mainly Motson) saying "must score.." or "surely" when there's a good chance. As if to imply that he would have stuck it away no problem.