timeEd32

I think there's less risk in this deal than people think. In three years he's still only 24 and English. If he's awesome after some Howe coaching then we've won big time and could sell him for significantly more if we wanted to. If he's solid with some highs and lows and we continue to progress and bring in players past his level we'll probably get our money back in a couple years. In the worst case scenario where he really struggles and is mostly a squad player we probably still get roughly half the fee back from whoever the Nottingham Forest is in 2025/2026.

This has been the disconnect all January IMO. There isn't anyone we can buy that cements a top 4 position. Certain players could improve our odds, but our first XI will still be prone to injury and even if we stay healthy it wouldn't take much to fall to 5th. So we can't responsibly make any moves that factor in CL revenue. We could safely make a move or two that assumes some European revenue, but that's a big difference. If we qualify for the Champions League the summer is going to be ridiculous because of the unexpected revenue and the level of player we could attract. That said, I certainly hope we bring in at least one and ideally two in the next few days because I assume we had something budgeted for January, we could presumably push the boat out a little bit based on future Europa League money, and shipping Wood out was a nice surprise (though this too is likely being misconstrued depending on the exact terms because he could be back on our books in June).

Ben Arfa not only refused to train, but flew himself to Newcastle to try to force a deal through and he was an instant legend on here. Murphy waves goodbye to a player sent off and it's met with giggles and legend salutes, but we're holding a grudge against this kid for getting in Trippier's face. He's been playing in a team as dysfunctional as NUFC was 18+ months ago, but let's ignore that context and post some negative stats like there's no evidence of players improving in our current setup. His face wasn't sculpted out of stone like Fabian Schar, so he must be crap. I've said myself it feels a little underwhelming, but some of the reasons being given to not want him here are pretty ridiculous. It's always possible a transfer doesn't work out, but we may also be buying a 21 year old Englishman at a discount. You don't have to use your imagination that much to envision a scenario where this works out incredibly well.

Yes, he started against Bournemouth in the third round.

Has to start. A rest will do Wilson good as well.

Everyone seemed to like Murphy's little wave, so bodes well for his shithousing.

This set up for a very entertaining second leg.

And yet we should be 1 or 2-0 up. 1-1 at worst.

I think we need to explore more formations that we can change to like we did at the end v. Fulham.

Botman is so good. If he's here for years he could be an all-time XI player.

Put this in the match thread but... I think the problem with the current VAR setup is a decision gets made by a referee you can't see and there is no explanation. Tell us it hit his arm. Or tell us it's inconclusive so the referee's decision stands. There can't be no feedback on a potential goal.

I think the problem with the current setup is a decision gets made on it by a referee you can't see and there is no explanation. Tell us it hit his arm. Or tell us it's inconclusive so the referee's decision stands. There can't be no feedback on a potential goal.

Pope

You want to tell me that grazed his arm, fine. But how the fuck is the referee not taking a look at that?

Teams are definitely well coached on Miggy coming inside on his left at this point.

Fuck, that would have been an outstanding team goal.

Away fans in great voice

This is why I don't understand the idea that Isak isn't fully fit to start. Wilson clearly isn't fit either.

There are so many times I wish Miggy had a right foot.

No Yes, starting now https://metro.co.uk/2023/01/24/carabao-cup-do-away-goals-count-in-the-semi-finals-and-is-var-in-use-18149460/

Possibly just a bad impact injury?

Time to buy a defender.

I'd be quite happy with a draw honestly, although if we can even just be one goal up and prevent them from sitting back next week then I think the home game might be a very good time. Also disappointed to not see Isak starting but I suppose he's not ready.