thenige

Just looked a bit rusty. Don't think it's beyond him to be a success in the Premier League. We had games last year in the Championship where Gayle was anonymous most of the game due to our poor build up play. I know he'll get less touches and less chances, but strikes me as a bit early to write him off.

Kyle Walker is now subscribed to this thread.

Wasn't that long ago Craig Gordon was finished, now he's Scotland's number one and playing for Celtic in the Champions League. Wouldn't write Krul off just yet.

Seems a sad state of affairs when a coach is moaning about their lack of players and putting young players on the bench. Like you would ever actually want young players breaking through into the first team squad? Worked well for Chalobah and Solanke.

Would assume that backup role would be covered by Kenedy if he does eventually sign on loan. Realistically that would leave us with Atsu, Murphy, Aarons and Kenedy who could play there. Think there's positions which need strengthening far more than that first. cough*replacethepieman*cough.

Hopefully with any such luck can make it back with the extra time for the international break and be fit for Swansea. Would only miss two league games if that was the case in four weeks.

Trying to get Depor to spend their money so they can't afford to sign Perez. SUBTLE.

I've never seen Joselu play, in fact I'm not even sure he's actually a footballer, rather more likely a cardboard cut out made of cereal packets. I'm am certain he is not grrrrrrrreeeat.

May be we have to sell Mbemba to fund other moves if the other players we actually want to get rid of can't be shifted. So even more reason to hate wasters like Riviere and Colback!

Will be surprised given the clubs he's played for if he doesn't end up at Watford thanks to the Pozzo's.

Like a mini Crouch who Rafa always loved. Good feet for a big(ish) man.

Yeah this. There were too many games where a real officious referee could have sent him off. Just a liability until he can learn that being a 'big man' doesn't equate to being an absolute bellend.

Afraid not. Only had the presentation from our head of refereeing (IFA) last week, a scissor challenge on the standing leg is 100% a red card now, ball or no ball. Research has shown that this kind of tackle causes the most injuries in football, or so they say, and its outlawed now (well supposed to be) Wasn't aware of the rule change, I stand corrected. I knew there would be this comparison, but thought it would be from Spurs fans trying to justify it. Lascelles was side on, going for a loose ball, where neither player was in possession. He clearly wins the ball with the tackling leg and the other leg then follows through. Not really a scissor motion, as such. But pretty sure the ref could have taken a stricter view, judging by what players get booked for these days. Kane has overrun the ball, Lejeune is about to get possession, when Kane comes and scissors him from behind. Both legs pin his foot, hence it twisting and f***ing his ankle up. I really don't see how they are the same? Didn't mean to compare the two challenges directly in terms of how bad they are, just that both weren't great challenges for follow-throughs - and as said, if Lejeune hadn't been injured do feel like very little would have been discussed in regards to Kane's.

Under the current laws of the game it was a yellow card. Anything else would have been both surprising and excessive. If Lejeune hadn't been injured off the back of it, it would have been forgotten already. Like the Lascelles tackle on Alli.

He looked really good in that first half an hour. Farewell sweet prince. May be back just in time for the return of Pards.

Was thinking that yesterday. With Coutinho and Van Dijk kicking off so soon after signing new deals, players should have to remain at the club for at least a year after signing a new deal, be it when first signing or extending a contract. Would probably need some caveats related to age for loan deals, but otherwise if you sign a player, you keep a player. Coutinho signed a new deal in January and now wants out in August? Ridiculous.

I hope Wolfsburg accept wallpaper as currency.

From a financial perspective probably makes more sense for the player to move out on loan. They still get first team football whilst remaining on the insane contract they signed with the club. Look at Riviere - no chance anyone would pay him half what we are now. Not in his interest to leave the club and move onto a lesser wage. Even if we do want to shift him

Expires at the end of this season. Arguably he could get a better deal sitting out his contract and making more money off a bosman given there would be no transfer fee.

In fairness, if someone offered you a new job with less pay, more work and having to uproot your life to a new place which potentially isn't as nice as where you are now, would you take it? Not a totally fair comparison. You'd assume he enjoys playing football, most people aren't doing their dream job as a day-job. Look at the type of clubs Gibbs has been linked with. Training and (albeit playing occasionally) for Arsenal compared to spending a whole week with WBA then playing their anti-football for less money? I don't think it's quite clear cut as all footballers who refuse to take a pay cut for regular football are scumbags.

In fairness, if someone offered you a new job with less pay, more work and having to uproot your life to a new place which potentially isn't as nice as where you are now, would you take it?

I think Danny Rose would agree.

Given where he's played most often for Chelsea and their youth teams, would be amazed if he ends up playing left-back for us, even if he is capable of playing there.

Strikes me as the sort of player who'd want to 'prove himself' in all honesty. Wait for his opportunity. Which will come in the Checkatrade Trophy this year.

Very much a utility player as can pretty much play anywhere down either flank or even up front. Best position is on the wing though. Is a solid capable player, but had a bit of a 'mare with injuries when on loan at Watford last year. Will be interested to see where Rafa sees him and how close he gets to the starting XI.