Novocastrian

Just tell him he’ll be challenging for the No1 shirt straight away. John Ruddy has left.

We don’t do hand ball now then?

Exactly. Which is why transfer failures at our club should possibly lead to a bit more introspection. The failures last summer may take several windows to correct and may also result in the sale of key ‘purples’.

Doesn’t matter what your budget is, over £100m on Wissa and Elanga is scandalous. At times, we’ve had Wissa, Elanga, Ramsey and Woltemade on the bench at the same time. Over £200m + sat watching. That’s on the manager not on our budget.

Yet he got both. Who knows what went on with Howe, I’m sure Gordon must have had reassurances about his England place or he would have kicked off.

100%

He’s very career focused, no doubt about it. Wonder if he’ll ever be truly celebrated by a fan base though. You can’t really get much bigger than Barca so it’s downhill after this.

Not sure what to think about Gordon and he’s a player I liked from the outset. He can be effective but he can also be extremely one dimensional, he’s can bust a gut but can also look like he’s dialling it in. Watching him try to connect with a cross is sometimes baffling. I’m sure we’ll miss the version of him that’s interested but his reputation is probably ahead of his overall effectiveness at the moment. Great move for him though.

This wasn’t in the brochure when we were purchased by the richest sovereign wealth fund in the world. Getting our best players picked off by ESL6 flotsam.

There’s not many goals in the squad as it is without selling Barnes.

Not really fair to include Ashley seasons.

This cunt touched the ball yet?

One of those games where I’m not sure who is supposed to be playing where. Never a good sign.

Thirteen minutes of the season left and he brings on Neave.

I’m a right miserable bastard who would moan if I won the lottery. The new shirt is growing on me, I remember the pre-internet brouhaha around the ‘thick and thin’ 91-93 kit. Every now and again it’s ok to go a bit off piste. If we have a cracking season it’ll be considered a classic.

Absolutely crazy behaviour by Southampton for such a debatable advantage. Against the hugely punitive repercussions if caught.

Moves about as quick too.

I’d buy a really capable LB so Hall can play in midfield.

Qualifying for any form our European competition this season should have been as easy as falling off a log. Potentially 6 CL places, 9th possibly getting into Europe. Its been pretty disastrous tbh.

Makes Miggy look like Jarzhino.

If we fed the information into one of those scouting databases… European, U-23, pacey striker who can press, eye for goal, high ceiling.. First name out would probably be : ‘William Osula’ We must keep him.

It’s the outstanding question that hasn’t been answered. We’re just supposed to move on from last summers window as if nothing has happened? It’s probably going to put us back 2 or 3 seasons. I’m still livid tbh.

So glad he got to raise a trophy here. Thanks for everything Tripps.

I'll pay now if you don't mind. You haven't got a pen, have you, Your Honour?

I’d be surprised if they got that far, even with some help.