The Prophet

Would be shocked if VvD and Salah weren't retained. It'll be an enormous rebuild if not.

It'll be a good test of how far we've come in terms of managing European football next year.

Interesting piece on Bruno.

Same applies as before.

Shite source, but a rumour is a rumour.

He's also shown again that he's excellent at being able to reverse negative momentum too. At the start of the season we looked out of sorts and players were said to be disgruntled about the PSR fire sale. There were question marks over his relationship with the club executives and for the first time it looked like "the project" might be stalling. Fast forward six months we've won a trophy and despite some inconsistency, we're still right in the thick of it for a Champions League spot.

It's Yasir's perogative if he wants to get involved in the celebrations, but it is quite unusual for an owner to do so and even at the time seemed quite sportswashy, for want of a better word. I was as overjoyed as anyone to lift the cup and didn't ruin my experience as a fan, but what he was doing did seem quite blatant.

As I say it's all subjective and down to the individual about how they feel about it and the PIF ownership in general. As Stifler points out it takes absolutely nothing away from the players and staff who worked incredibly hard for the cup and the fans who've waited a lifetime for us to lift one.

It isn't having a go at the football fans, that's why I felt it was a refreshingly balanced read. Sportswashing and state ownership are important topics in football.

Fair enough. It is rather unusual and seemed rather deliberate though. I felt quite uncomfortable with it, granted I'll need to get used to the hot soapy sportswash, particularly if we become more successful. I don't think there's a right or wrong answer here by the way, no one should tell you how to feel. But I think the author did a good job of raising his subjective discomfort, along with my own, whilst still giving us our flowers.

You mean "the fella that got Bournemouth relegated"?

No sarcasm, I think he's done a very good job of discussing the elephant in the room, without taking anything away from the players, staff or fans. It's a balance many such as Miguel Delaney fail to manage.

After this week's joy and happiness for the players and staff, I just had a read of this. Very fair and well balanced piece.

Has he grown up a bit? Was meant to be a bit of a whopper when he was at Everton.

It's like picking your favourite shade of shite. Bruce is more unlikeable as a bloke, but Pardew did far more damage to the club.

I still remember a post-match interview during COVID, with a dishevelled looking Fab describing everything as "shit"

He's such a cunt.

More wishful thinking.

It'd be class if news of a contract extension dropped completely out of the blue. Preferably before the summer market opens.

I wonder what he makes of it all. He doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve as much as someone like Bruno.

The most Italian of men.