Village Idiot

The Camp Nou... when's that photo from? 2002?

British, apparently. Was a nice chat with La Marca apparently, so it would seem he approves of what they published. And they published something not a fantastic amount different to what the British press took out. How do you know what was published in La Marca? You understand Spanish? Why do you try to put a negative spin instead of just taking Jose's words as published on the website?

Meh, pretty sure I read an interview a few weeks ago where he said he found it amusing. He should have realized that account was actually improving his image, not tarnishing it.

Kluivert was just 5 goals per season away of being one of the best strikers of the last 25 years. Great on the floor, great on the air... he had amazing technique and the body of a tall striker. He created a lot of play but always was this little bit wasteful in front of goal...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! I guess the stories were too graphic? I know the real Big Sam was aware of the account and didn't mind it.

Sure I read that he was keeping Capel out of the team last year, looks as though his form hasn't continued though Capel plays in the left too. And yes Perotti's form hasn't continued and Rakitic's purchase might open up the door for him to leave.

On similar "Spanish football is fucked" news, Rayo Vallecano have entered administration. They are part of the industrial holding of their owner, whose businesses have been sinking due to the recession (and the fact he's a grade A crook).

Atlético opposition group "Señales de Humo" (Smoke signals) claims that the club's debt is €786m, according to an independent study by a financial firm that also casts doubts over the club's viability as a going concern. That would make Atlético the most indebted club in La Liga. Ouch.

Happy birthday Sir Bobby Robson, wish I could get you a birthday present like the one you last gave to me.

He is right-footed, but has a decent left foot too (not at all two footed though). Plays on the left or in the hole for Sevilla.

Didn't Spurs bid for every striker under the sun on deadline day? There were reports in Spain of rejected bids for Forlán and Rossi.

Wasted 10 minutes of my life

My translation, he looks genuinely pissed at your ownership actually: Do you think the exit of Andy Carroll will affect the team? Yes, but it's not just Andy. He was a great striker for us, won all the high balls and was an important player for Newcastle. But other players left too and we have a short squad now. Some of my colleagues are debuting in the Premier League and we lack backups for certain positions. We all know we have a short squad and if we want to play a "top team"... if there are injuries we'll have problems. I have been promised that all the money of the Carroll sale will be reinvested. I hope it's that way... Speaking of Liverpool, the reds are looking at you for their next campaign... I have read in some English papers that teams like Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa want me and that's flattering. They are big English teams. Currently I'm fine in Newcastle but I don't close my door to anything. I love the fans and I love the city. I have suffered with the team, with the relegation two years ago... and we have to be realistic. Newcastle hasn't been acting well, they made promises that haven't been fulfilled and I'm ambitious. I want to play in the Champions League, important competitions, and be able to play for the national team. You have 16 months left in my contract, are you going to stay in Newcastle? I always said that I feel fine in this team. It's true that I have been promised things that haven't been fulfilled. Like any other player, I want to win trophies and I don't want my aim to just be staying up. I want to be able to tell my sons that I played in the Champions League or for Spain. I'm ambitious and I won't close my door to anything

I'll check, gimme a sec.

No, these clauses are voided if the buying club is the one to benefit. But if there were competing bids you could get Liverpool to agree to a lower amount since they'd be keeping all the money.

25% sell-on profit or full transfer amount? Crazy deal that.

I'd prefer Piatti, whenever i've seen him he's looked pretty decent if a bit small. How's he doing at Almeria? He was another one of those that fell under the 'next Maradona' category iirc. I love him, talented and with a very good work rate. Almería won't sell cheap unless they get relegated, though.

Deportivo would indeed fleece the hell out of you (again) but he would be a massive improvement over Jonás, massive. Just worried about his fitness.

Been frustratingly injury prone these last two years, but he is a very good winger.

Wonder if that joint Iberian league talk was really serious or just to make noise during the WC biding process (most likely option). I'd love to have Porto/Benfica/Sporting in La Liga.

Regarding Ben Arfa he's obvious quality and I look forward seeing him taking the field for you, but I withdraw judgement until he spends two seasons without picking up a fight with anybody. Still a no-brainer for that price, mind.

José Enrique didn't come exactly cheap, did he? Was it €7m or something like that? Decent coin for a young LB.

Villarreal are like our Mini-Me, they have been looking tired lately.

Yes, gotta think of Platini's auntie!