Wallace

It is funny how posters from other clubs can make you feel different about certain teams - at least for me. I have hated City for over 30 years but because of Dr Spectrum and hearing of all their woes, I am more kindly disposed to them. Same for Villa although never really disliked them. Used to like Spurs but can't stand them now. I do enjoy the different perspective that they bring to the board.

Hope some of the new songs catch on as I too am so bored with there's only one ...... Any songs for Shay as after 10 years, I think he deserves his own song. Personally hate all the anti Sunderland songs. Of late it seems that we are more interested in singing about hating them that supporting our own team. Is it true about restrictions to bringing flags into the ground? Would like to see more - think it always looks class at Liverpool with their banners. I certainly support the efforts to improve the atmosphere. Have to admit that I will always join in if everyone around me is singing but stay quiet if everyone else is. Those few Sampdoria fans on Sunday made a hell of a noise. The atmosphere created at Marseille was class and fascinating to watch the ends take it in turns to chant back at each other.

Whenever I hear the Scottish press talk about him, they say Gordon is worth every penny. Also that if he moved on in a year or two, whoever bought him would make a profit so it is a worthwhile investment. They seem to think he is destined for one of the top 4 clubs as soon as he has proved himself in the Premiership.

On Five Live earlier today, a Scottish journalist reckoned Villa could go for Craig Gordon.

I don't think Kenwright is interested in selling no matter who comes along with an offer.There have been persistant rumours saying as much for years now and the entire board now consists of his personal lackey's Tell me about it! I was very optimistic when the season finished and thought we'd make a few good signings. I'm dreading it starting again now Guess it will be the typical one good season followed by one bad season then that Everton are renowned for.

Great write up Tom. Think you pretty much covered everything though I did recall one extra thing which you may describe better than me. He explained about sitting in the stand - and that it enables him to see how the other team is set out. He is wired up to lots of different people - coaches, medics etc. If he sees anything he wants to show players at half time, he tells the tech people to cut stuff throughout the game.

Have been impressed with him in the air since seeing him in the reserves. Usually wins the ball and to good effect. I'd like to see him with Owen as I think Owen would thrive on those flick ons.

I absolutely love Keegan but I don't think this would be a good move. I think we are too sentimental towards ex-players and live in the past too much rather than look forward. (On a side issue, I do think one of the stands should be named after him or something like that; his contribution to the club as both player and manager should be recognised). Times have moved on though and Keegan has admitted recently that he is not enamoured with the way football has gone. I think he is probably too out of touch and it would be hard for him to muster up that old enthusiasm. And what would this say to Allardyce - I cannot imagine him to being impressed with the idea. With regards to Shearer, is he still employed as an "Ambassador" to the club? If so, it makes sense for Mort to meet with him to discuss what impact his role has made to the club.

I was in the Milburn last night towards the Leazes End and to be honest, I scarcely heard any singing by our fans. Thought the Celtic fans just totally drowned out any home support althought I could see that we were trying to respond in the Gallowgate but just couldn't hear it at the other end of the ground. I usually sit in the Gallowgate (thought I would try a different part of the ground last night) and I do think a lot of the noise often drifts out of the ground before the other end hear it. Hope the Ultras keep it up next season. Perhaps if we perform better on the pitch that may also help the atmosphere. Mind you, could do with a few new songs. Get so bored hearing the same old same old. Probably bores the players as well. I remember hearing a really good Nobby song in a pub in Grimsby when we played them in the League Cup. Everyone was singing it and I am sure it was one that was simple enough to be be sung at a game. I don't know the name of the original song but it is one of those "easy listening" ones and where they normally sing "I love you baby", they were singing Nobby Solano - can't remember the other lyrics(!) - so much better than just chanting his name. Anyone remember this song? I am sure I have heard it briefly elsewhere.

Until recently, there were the top 4 clubs and then Newcastle. We paid high wages and were often in Europe and so were able to pick the best of the rest. However, Spurs have overtaken us and are in Europe and in London. West Ham are paying stupid wages and are in London. Villa and City have money behind them with good managers and good facilities. Everton are a steady ship and in Europe. Portsmouth have a "charismatic" manager who has proved he can rejuvenate players careers. Newcastle are now an unknown quantity. How will Allaradyce do with better quality players? Do the new owners actually want him as their manager? What kind of offers are they making to potential signings? We are not in Europe. And so on. We are now having to compete with other clubs and it seems we are not so attractive as we once were. There are other options for players. We would have struggled to get rid of Dyer not so long ago because of his wages but that is not a problem for other clubs now with the new money from new owners and the TV deal. Allardyce has got a helluva job to do.

Can't help but feel cynical about all this. His family have always been down south so why is it a problem now after so many years. He wants out and in my view, SA is trying to manage it so to create a more sympathetic situation for Dyer as there is so much hostility towards him. If Dyer is that desperate to go then he should just put in a transfer request.

The club are giving the impression that there is little money to be spent - whether that is the case or not, who knows. If it is true then they should sell Dyer ASAP for £5m because along with his wages, we could bring in a couple of competent defenders. The midfield needs a bit more variety but we do have enough bodies there for the time being whilst that is simply not true with the defence.

Remember that Ashley is meant to be good friends with Dein and people on the Spurs board. He and Mort will be able to ask"football" people for advice if they feel they need it.

Yes I have

Haven't the rules for loaning players changed this season? Not sure if I am right with this but I think the new rules mean the players are loaned out for a whole season and there would be no recall option. If so, this makes it a really difficult decision as you might need them in a few months time. We are OK with the strikers providing they all stay and are fit so you could probably afford to let Carroll go. However, unless we sign some defenders there is no way that we could allow any of them to go on loan.

There was a lot of hostility towards him today whenever he came within earshot.

Listened to a bit of Radio Cumbria pre and post match. What a joke. Apparently, we won 2-1 at Darlington and Viduka was in the team today. Post match, kept going on about how bad we were (true) and that we were a good bet for regulation. Did not comment that most of the players would not be first choice. Also said Carroll was not good enough for them!! Also, that we need to follow Carlisle's example and take friendlies seriously!

I think £2m is a joke - he is an England international after all. How much would we have to pay to replace him? Then Oliver suggests that West Ham would only buy him on a pay as you play basis!

Would be delighted if it's Taylor. Captaincy at a young age for Terry and Gerrard made them both grow up on and off the pitch. And Taylor has been captain in the England Youth teams and I would expect him to be captain of the U21s next season. I think he would be thrilled to be captain and it would actually mean something to him. He is probably the most vocal player on the pitch and always seems committed. Yes he needs to mature and be more disciplined as he sometimes seems to try too hard and throw himself all over the place but I am sure that his more dramatic moments will be addressed by Allardyce. It will be interesting to see how he plays as part of an "organised" defence for a change. Off the pitch, he is one of the most high profile and every week he is in the paper, attending some charity event. He is always happy to speak to the press albeit always in hyperbole. There is probably only Given who does more but as goalkeeper his influence is restricted on the pitch. I don't understand why he gets so much negative press on this board. Yes he is still potential but it is up to him and the club to develop that. If his attitude is a problem as implied by some then I am sure this manager will deal with that. We know that the the big clubs are constantly sniffing around so there must be be something about him that they can see. There is constant criticism of the lack of young talent coming through the ranks - now we have a young player with great potential, all everyone wants to do is criticise him.

I think if he goes to West Ham, there will be trouble as I don't think Curbs is a strong enough manager for him plus the London nightlife.

It will be interesting to see how he does under a decent manager.

Listening to some of the Spanish pundits on the radio recently, they said that Liverpool would have to be patient with Torres. He has potential but is a bit lightweight and will take time to adapt. He is not the finished article by a long way and although talented needs to be developed and in time could be a great player for Liverpool.

When I was a kid, they used to chant "Dougan the hooligan"

I personally just don't see what the attraction of Real Madrid would be to Wenger. He has complete control at Arsenal and is allowed time to develop young players and build his teams over time. He has confidence in the security of his position and the backing of the board and supporters. Madrid would play better football under him but would they give him the time and control he is used to. Their manager rarely has a say in the players bought. If he didn't win La Liga and the Champions League in his first season in glorious swashbuckling style, would he make it to a second season?

Bolton away first game