Gallowgate Toon

We don't need the cavalier type full back as much now. Our midfield is looking pretty attack minded, a strong and quick defender with solid distribution to keep some balance to the side will do me just fine for the moment.

Twice the player from when he joined, in a massively inflated market, the deal is with this year's big spenders and we still end up getting less cash (allegedly). You couldn't make it up.

Unfortunately, you're bang on. There is a slight positive to Barton not playing though, if Gervinho starts on the left we all know what Simpson will do. If Jonas starts on the right, I'll feel more comfortable with that extra defensive protection. Rather our best players just played but that's just typically us. Simpson is ten times the defender Ryan Taylor is though. Whoever plays left back is going to need more cover. Fair enough. It's all down to weighing up the lesser of 2 evils, either way, we seem to have snookered ourselves even if Pieters comes in.

Debatable imo. Barton not playing means Jonas and Marveaux will play, I don't think Pardew sees Gosling as a wideman at all despite his Everton days. The last time they started together, Jonas was right and Marveaux was left iirc, can see it being the same again. (Sorry, the only time they've ever played together).

Unfortunately, you're bang on. There is a slight positive to Barton not playing though, if Gervinho starts on the left we all know what Simpson will do. If Jonas starts on the right, I'll feel more comfortable with that extra defensive protection. Rather our best players just played but that's just typically us.

Too right. I still had some hope for him there last season but it quickly faded, shadow of a central player now and spent most of the time in Tiote's way. He won't leave anyway, not for a club that would most likely be considered a downward step.

As if Derdiyok would come here, simply too good for where we are.

Jose Enrique is a pretty tall full back, that worked out well. Dickhead. You're a tough one Ron, being so adept at sarcasm, I just can't tell when you're being a moron

Jose Enrique is a pretty tall full back, that worked out well.

Noticed he's fairly tall at 6'1, does he have any pace at all? Glad he's got height, we're looking a bit short (no pun intended) for corners.

Completely agree, he just has that feel about him that he's got what it takes.

This is going to be the most interesting Newcastle game I've seen in a while. Everything feels like a bit of a mystery, I have no idea how we'll line up and there are so many unknowns with our new players etc. I think we'll be the better team, either 2-1 to us or 1-1.

I think he could still get a fair few goals if he's used in the same attacking way Lille used him 2 seasons ago. He won't get double figures but 6 or 7 wouldn't be out the question. Really excited about him, looks a fantastic player.

Also, if he is used as an auxiliary striker, he might be a speed merchant but I reckon he's a better bet than our current one. Still want to see another striker coming in but just saying 'n all that.

He's better than our other back up wing and forward options, so why not? People want to fill the squad out but then complain when a talented youngster is brought in to beef up numbers. He might not have done the business at Man I but that could be down to numerous reasons, look at the likes of Forlan. It can happen.

Basically yeah, just Dan Gosling. Didn't see him in the photos.

If you don't call him the Gosinator nobody knows who you are talking about. Sorry. Gosinator? Who? Everyone knows the Goose.

If you don't call him the Gosinator nobody knows who you are talking about. Sorry. Gosinator?

Gosling?

CM is a bit different, they don't really need the same level of understanding between each other than say strikers or centre backs. I'm more concerned that our main deep creative outlet, Cabaye, hasn't played with our forwards that much.

I actually hope Smith plays this one, I want to see Cabaye pulling the strings not holding. Against Leeds, Ba made some great little runs but Gosling wasn't anywhere near quick enough in releasing the ball, hopefully he can get a bit of an understanding going with Cabaye.

If 40k is 'ridiculous' how much difference is 10k going to make? That is our supposed ceiling after all. Surely the agent knows we won't be able to really up the offer that much but they're still talking with us or at least were until today, possible mileage left in this for me. Does this also mean we had a bid accepted if we were discussing personal terms?

Probably trying to bypass on agent's fees tbh.

Yep, the only hope I have of a forward, is a loan. Really can't think of anyone who fits our bill though.