Hughesy

Thought he played well when he came on.

Bearing in mind we 'bought' Krul, Kadar and Ranger - I don't know if they can really be counted.

That's pretty nailed on, Otter. Can't disagree with much of that.

Trust Pardew to be all about the protein. Bet he's used that line before.

The good old Dyer debate. I reckon there are just a series of debates on a loop in this place: Was Dyer good? Was Robert good? Is Nolan good? Is Jonas good?

And why shouldn't he?

Agreed, it's not world-class marthon runner standard, but it's really nowhere near as bad as so many of you imply. He's conditioned to perform for 90minutes, not 3hours. He should be looking visibly tired by 80minutes+ if he's been giving 110% to the cause. Nail on head here: Your point would be all well and good - except he looks knackered and immobile after 8 minutes, never mind 80 minutes. Your point would be all well and good if there were any actual evidence of our midfield being overrun as a result of his apparent lack of mobility. It was a bit of a joke to be honest. I don't genuinely think he is tired after 8 mins. He at least makes it to 20 mins. Seriously though, I don't really know how anyone can reasonably defend his mobility or his fitness levels because they are, quite frankly, not very good.

Agreed, it's not world-class marthon runner standard, but it's really nowhere near as bad as so many of you imply. He's conditioned to perform for 90minutes, not 3hours. He should be looking visibly tired by 80minutes+ if he's been giving 110% to the cause. Nail on head here: Your point would be all well and good - except he looks knackered and immobile after 8 minutes, never mind 80 minutes.

That's funny.

Whilst I appreciate what you are saying, that's a pretty simplistic way of looking at it. First, you would have to consider whether they are goals that could have been scored by a) someone else in the team doing the same job (ie standing in front of the keeper at corners or b) in his position as a midfielder breaking from deep. That's an even more simplistic way of looking at it tbh, because it's disregarding one of the most little-found elements in a central midfielder's game. How many other midfielders in Europe have scored as many from his position this season? I bet you could count them on one hand. The debate that we're having in this thread about Nolan is deja vu -- the same discussions took place over Laurent Robert in the Robson era. Most people didn't realise the value of his goals and assists until it was too late. That's pretty much what i've said...? Part a) addresses whether these goals could have been scored by someone else on the team had they taken up the set play position he did (which is controllable) and part b) addresses whether another midfielder playing in his position would score the amount of goals. This would weigh up his finishing ability, his ability to time his runs, but then also the fact that that is his role in the team and he is given the licence to do so.

Whilst I appreciate what you are saying, that's a pretty simplistic way of looking at it. First, you would have to consider whether they are goals that could have been scored by a) someone else in the team doing the same job (ie standing in front of the keeper at corners or b) in his position as a midfielder breaking from deep. Secondly, you have to ask whether the goals he scores (having addressed the first point) outweigh the negativs he brings to the team. Ie his lack of mobility and his inability to get around the pitch, but also his positives - ie leadership. Personally, I am fairly ambivalent on Nolan. He has won me over this season with his goals and his leadership qualities. However, if we are to make a concerted push for Europe next season, I think he will be one of the weaker links in the team.

Great news.

Always annoyed me that I can't remember my first game. First season I was aware of was the relegation season of 1988/89, but not sure 100% sure as I was only 5. Seem to think I went to see us lose 3-1 to Sheff Wed at home in that season. Think 1989/90 was the season I was more aware of what was going on. Vividly remember going to Newcastle away at West Ham in 1989/1990. Terrible terrible 0-0 draw. And the worst of the lot - losing 4-1 at home to Wolves. Steve Bull hat trick.

You do talk some complete s**** Hughesy. Eh?? Brock was decent enough. Dillon was shocking. Askew was even worse. Not sure what's wrong about that.

6-7 is generous in the extreme That's and understatement, especially when we consider what we paid for HBA and Tiote. TBH, I would be furious if we spent more than £2 mill on this player. In fairness - there is always going to be a premium on strikers. It is unlikely that we will ever be able to get a deal for a striker like the ones we have got for Ben Arfa or Tiote.

You have some points. If you place an attacker aka Bellamy beside him, and he got to Barton and another winger on the left to constantly provide him with crossers, he could bag some goals. But the fact is that he got a s*** scoring ratio. And I think he, despite WH's economical situation, is on a very good contract. In other words, the lad may have potential, but he's not worth £10 mill and a £40 000 a week contract. I will take him, but only on a free transfer or minimal sum (WH may be forced to sell him cheaply if they go down), and if he settles for a wage that is represents his performances on the pitch. He scores one goal in approximately every fifth game. That is not good enough to justify a sweet contract. Sign him on maximum £15 a week, and renegotiate if he delivers I think £15 a week might be a bit unfair. At least cover his travel expenses as well.

I think he is brilliant. Given time at Madrid, I still think he'll win the league.

5 assists!!! What a player!!!

One less assist than Gerrard, Giggs, Milner and N'Zogbia now!!

Good cross. One for the stat fans.

I'll never understand why we don't actually produce more players to be honest. We have such a large catchment area with little competition, we should be able to churn out a large amount of good players. We are possibly one of the few areas in England (I would have thought) that have the same advantages.

Shearer didn't knock defenders around in his prime? Did you ever see him in his prime? Sounds like you didn't. Why would I need an excuse to engage? Not quite sure what you are angling at.

I was thinking of that. I thought it was Hercules, but you might be right.

Did you get them to do some bench pressing for you? You do speak some shite.