Coco

I'd much rather we get a pair of solid full-backs in, than go all out for someone like Miguel/Richards. Baines has been linked for a while and is obviously a good option. I would much rather we had 2 competent players in at both full-back positions though, as I have no confidence in Babayaro and Carr. Maybe a promising young talent, or someone who can cover a couple of positions (i.e. a Brown/Carragher type). As for RB, I think Nobby is competent back-up, so we just need one there. But to be honest, I can't think of too many obvious candidates. I'd steer clear of Trabelsi tbh. I can see Sam making one or two big signings before the summer is out, I think that's the least that Ashley will expect (If his plans are as big as we're told). But I get the feeling that they'll be to replace another outgoing player, maybe one or two of Owen/Martins/Dyer/N'Zogbia/Emre. Personally I'd love to see Dyer go and be replaced by Sneijder...

My sources tell me it's pie in the sky...

I don't have a distaste for red and white. There are too many clubs (e.g. River Plate / Derry City / Ajax / Monaco) that I like who wear those colours to be worried about the mackems. If the shirt was nice, i'd probably wear it. But, essentially a mackem jersey with a NUFC badge on it, that's a different story

They're from NI, Belfast as far as I know. Even though I'm from NI myself I don't follow the 'Carnegie Premier League', my team, Derry City, are in the Eircom League (in the republic, it's a long story...)

Shay if you ask me. The only consistent performer at this club. And he has a great attitude. Disgusted he was overlooked by Stan in favour of Robbie Keane at international level.

He will have a hell of work to do at man city though.... Personally i think they could be one of the favourites to get relegated. I think they will have better luck next season especially when they will have a lot of money to spend if the takeover indeed happens.Its been ages. Isnt it the same guy that tried to buy Liverpool...? Seems abit of a shifty character if you ask me.... hes been tryin to buy different clubs for years, but been unsuccessful, so what are the clubs finding out about him to not allow the takeover to continue? is he demanding to much or something?? Didn't think the Thai had shown any interest in any club other than Citeh. That's definitely the same guy who wanted liverpool. He was Thai PM when he wanted Liverpool, but that fell apart, can't remember why. Wasn't he actually overthrown in some kind of coup? Seem to remember something like that. Anyway, he does sound dodgy, but loaded nonetheless...

Heard this myself this morning. He would be a great coach to get in, I know there were a few on here who wanted him this season and last year too. His record at Seville speaks for itself...

Dunno much about this lad, but, apparently he has 25 caps for the Czech Rep. To have been playing regular for them for the last 3 years means you can't be that bad. It would be very hard for him not to be an improvement on last season.

This thread has meandered a bit from the original post, but I'll throw in my piece anyway... Yes, our squad is the thinnest I've seen in a long time, but a lot of deadwood has been cut free. Seriously, who would have Bramble, Moore, Sib, Gooch, Pav or Bernard back? But the noises coming from SJP are all positive at the minute, i.e. possibly Barton (I know this divides opinion) and Viduka in this week, with a maybe on this lad Rozenhal from PSG soon after. That would be a hell of a start considering it's the first week of June. And let's not forget that Sam is a wheeler-dealer extraordinaire and has produce repeated results with Bolton when buying in unknown talent from Europe and beyond. I have every faith that Sam is patiently going through his little black book and sourcing the players that we need under his current budget. Also, let's not forget that he has already laid the foundations for our new backroom structure and training regime etc. For the first time in a long time I have confidence in our management team. Still, it won't be easy breaking into the top 8, never mind the top 4, but with the right foundations, we could build a sustainable future at the higher levels of the premiership. We're going through a revolution in thinking at SJP, and I for one am not worried in the slightest. Oh, and this is all before we even consider the prospect of a billionaire takeover...

Honestly, I can't see that happening. You may feel that way, and I agree with you, but there are many people who don't. I get the feeling if he does go to West Ham, and he plays at SJP next season, he'll likely get jeered with a few boos thrown in. And knowing our luck, he'll play a blinder in the process. I dont think there's any reason whatsoever to boo him. I agree, but there will be a lot of people who don't, that's all I'm saying. Jesus, just look at the calibre of twat they interview on SSN when they ask the 'fans' on the street. Complete ignorance is a hard thing to account for.

pretty sure you will get a refund for that shirt Says on the site, where you buy the shirt that you 'buy personalised shirts at your own risk' or something. So i dunno. Aye, you're screwed with that one. I was on a few weeks ago, and they're still offering ROSSI 15 as an option for the new shirt.

Honestly, I can't see that happening. You may feel that way, and I agree with you, but there are many people who don't. I get the feeling if he does go to West Ham, and he plays at SJP next season, he'll likely get jeered with a few boos thrown in. And knowing our luck, he'll play a blinder in the process.

The way I see it, if a player doesn't want to play for the club anymore (for whatever reason), get rid. If this is the case, I'm happy that we'll get a few quid for him, and I trust in Sams ability to unearth a young/unknown player who can do a job for us. We shouldn't need to beg players to stay, especially as so many of our so-called stars have flattered to deceive in recent seasons. So, if Owen, Dyer, Parker, whoever, wants out, fuck 'em, let them go, as long as we can get a good deal. We need to move on, and I can see there being a few more departures before the end of the summer...

Nah, it's the senior side, but the majority of the squad are all youngsters making there debuts against shite like ecuador and bolivia. I think Kilbane is the most senior player there. I haven't even watched the matches tbh, fucking pointless money making exercise...

He needs to be given the bloody ball. Over the last few weeks I've been watching a lot closer and there are so many times he gets into a good position out wide, screaming for the ball and it never comes. I mean, tonight, all we did was lump it to sibierski, until they scored the second and even then we were still trying hopeless long ball stuff. If we actually tried to play a passing game, I'm convinced duff would shine.