Mike

It's good that it got out of the way early. I really do think a defined role would be his path to success. It was easy to be a midfielder/striker at Man U, but not so easy here where we actually needed him to do things. Keegan sits him down and says "Alan, you're fifth choice. You'll never play before the 70th minute unless someone is shot, lad." and you'll see his game explode.

This is the thread where I get called a WUM, a fucking American and all that. I know it. But bear with me. Alan Smith is going to score five goals in all comps next year. His determination and single minded drive will see him emerge as a fan favorite. With new signings, and a defined role (most likely squad striker, he's never a midfielder) He will prove a vital off the bench asset.

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8066/zicong0.jpg

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7084/alansmithro7.jpg Nothing is more positive than saying this man will score goals. Can't wait for the new season.

Shola Ameobi - Five appearances. Zero transfers.

You on the Smith bandwagon, man?

"Taylor targets staying in position"

He's 27. Late bloomer! 7 years of adequate play awaits, man. Get on the bus!(?) We need a shit talking smiley or some kind.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7084/alansmithro7.jpg Breakout season. Smudge will get it done. (I'm saying this shit so much I'm actually starting to believe it!)

Isn't this an indirect condemnation of Platini's plan to stop clubs from poaching youth players? Wasn't he in favor of stopping that practice as well? A quote like “If he wants to leave, let him." might not be the best thing to have said on record.

Jesus God.

So hard? What's so hard about the work he's put in to this club since joining? Really? Since he's came in all he's done is employ asset strippers to survey the club, get the stupid debts off its back and try and make it self sufficient. One, it's one step further down the strip that we need. Two, it's showed no ambition to want to change things on the pitch. Three: The club is being gutted out ready to sell like you would with any cheap property; buy and sell, and why not? He didn't make 2bn by just thinking these things. You are saying he's not sat on his arse? I really cannot see what he's done which gives him the kind of merit and blind stupid hope some think he is going to achieve from the very little he's doing. It's incredible. He's doing, or his team what 99.9% of the people on this board would think of doing if they were in the same situation, only do we believe he's living in? Or is his intentions are to sell? I don't see expensive carpets laying down, for me so far this is a refit and sell on job. , TT, correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't he been the owner for less than a year? Isn't it his first position within football? Didn't he hire experienced people to help him along as he learned the way the game works? What more could he have done in the last 11(?) months?

3 kits into the picture, the domestic trophies disappear. Goddamn.

Even with Barca presumably out, how far down the list are we?

If he spent 50 mill on players we, the supporters, would see the benefit. He wouldn't get that 50 mill back from a buyer. Isn't it possible that we're in the initial stages of a well thought out long term plan? Couldn't we see the benefit of buying and developing our own players eventually? We could be, I hope so, but we also desparately need investment in the starting 11 and up to now were trying to do it on the cheap. To me that's not long term, that's more short term. Agreed. Still, it's only July 7th. If it's September and nothing else has been done, I'll share your concern.

If he spent 50 mill on players we, the supporters, would see the benefit. He wouldn't get that 50 mill back from a buyer. Isn't it possible that we're in the initial stages of a well thought out long term plan? Couldn't we see the benefit of buying and developing our own players eventually?

May I ask how purchasing players would change anything? Spending 50 million on marketable players would make the team even more attractive to potential investors, wouldn't it? He'd still make 100 million as well.

Looking at the squad. Does Zoggy know how to smile? I've never seen that guy happy.

Not really, no. Why would he work so hard to repair the inner workings of the club just to sell it to someone who may not share the same views as him? I mean, if he bought the club, paid off the debt and then sat on his ass, I'd be as concerned as you. I think he's working towards imitating the way things work over at Arsenal.

Positivity. I love it. Alan Smith - 5 goals. edit-According to wiki, Beye retired from INT duty.

Not this season; he's been fairly shit every time i've seen him play. He'll probably turn into an excellent player once Ferguson's sorted him, though. Definitely needs to learn when to pass rather than going for glory. Can't argue with that. Feel the same about Zoggy.

Don't think Nani is garbage either. Definitely a cunt, but seems a very good player.

Seems about right. Can't remember much of him from Euro.

Are you a wum or being serious? If we do sign Quaresma, oh my days. I admit that I was being less than honest. My best friend is bald.