thenige

Putting Willo in the shop window but showing off his bench sitting skills.

Article analysing his first competitive game for us - http://thesefootballtimes.co/2015/08/14/wijnaldum-newcastle-double-pivot/ Can't say I've had time to read it yet, so if it's awful don't blame me.

Would quite like to see that to be fair.

Probably true, but I know a Spurs fan who'd be happy with a fiver for him as long as they never had to see him play for their club again.

To actually play football I would suggest. I always liked him for us, was a decent player in a team of mediocrity.

Article about how he's been frozen out here - http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/12/jose-enrique-liverpool-alienated-balotelli-borini Most telling part of the article his quote at the end: Basically "I'm getting paid loads and will only continue to play for teams who pay me loads".

Obertan's defensive tracking in the second half was an absolute embarrassment for a professional footballer. Haidara was shocking today but don't think he could have been helped less by someone playing in front of him (at least defensively, they actually linked up well once or twice going forward).

We looked absolutely knackered for the last 20 minutes. Mbemba looks a proper player, did well to cut back and put Mane off at the very end. Haidara and Obertan will just leak chances down that side. Think Obertan was shocked to play 90 and just didn't have the lungs for it. Looked fucked from about 50 mins in. One positive was his cross, but defensively, especially with Haidara needing help, was an absolute liability. Haidara needs to learn how to cross. And head the ball. 2-2 an okay result against a good side, but McClaren could have done better with his subs. Not quite Pardew-esque mind. Some encouraging signs. But our terrible pre-season hurt us badly in the last 20-30 minutes.

Has Obertan tracked his man once this half? He's just fucking walking around looking clueless every time they have the ball.

Colback really needs to stop marking their players when WE HAVE THE BALL.

Our left hand side is bloody awful.

For me he's still our best CB (given Mbemba is unproven in the Premier League) and it was only his heart and desire I was questioning over last year. Yeah he makes some mental decisions sometimes, but he has certainly shown himself to have the quality in the past. Knowing Ashley this extension maybe even lowered his wage. Hope him and Mbemba can form a solid partnership. Certainly prefer him as first choice to Willo or Taylor.

Too tall for a LB, too short for a CB. *not really. For me, looks a far better CB than a LB, but still shouldn't be more than 3rd or 4th choice.

Pardew says "NO" - http://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/article/a-statement-from-crystal-palace-football-club-manager-alan-pardew-addressing-transfer-speculation-2595723.aspx

Of the days I look back on and 'miss', Big Sam's reign features very low on that list.

He doesn't qualify as a home-grown player and given we've signed three more players who also don't qualify, not sure Abeid would have been registered. Obviously I'd have included him over some of the dross we have, but the management have their own ideas.

Was our total scouting of last season just the Anderlecht v Arsenal games?

Who else played? NUFC.com saying he didn't take part in the friendly. Also that the trialist Koks has been released having not done enough to earn a contract.

Likely we'll get Sibierski in just before the window closes. Would be amazed if we paid money for anyone else now.

Most players are better off out of our shambolic club so good luck to anyone who moves.

Should do the old QPR classic and just take him on loan for a year. And then go buy a defender as well.

I think Berahino would be a better partner for Mitrovic than Austin. By a million miles. He's also a far better player in general. Only thing Austin has over him is he seems less of a mardy modern footballer type. Regardless, it matters little because we'd never pay the money to sign Berahino. Ah but Berahino is an arrogant tit whilst Austin has scored at every level he's been at. With Austin you pay for an effective goalscorer, for Berahino you're paying a higher price essentially for his potential. And personally I think it's potentially he'll never reach. Perhaps harsh, but feel he'll fall into a similar category of footballers as Scott Sinclair in a few years.

GK Krul RB Janmaat CB Taylor CB Williamson LB Haidara CM Colback CM Anita AMC Wijnaldum AMR Sissoko AML Obertan ST Cisse Think that's what he'll pick. 1-2 defeat.

We've got so many players who seemingly find it difficult to pass the ball more than a few yards. I think the spine of our team is as weak as I can remember. And the Obertan inspired limbs seem to be flapping about all over the place. Can't recall feeling as pessimistic going into a season as I am now.

Just put £20 on a Southampton win first game of the season.