Hughesy

Did play 29 league games when they won the league in 2012. If it is the Richards of 11/12, it's a no-brainer. What we would get is a poorly-motivated, injury-prone, tactically-limited player who isn't anywhere near his best form though. If we are going to sell Debuchy for £10-12 million, I can think of far worse options than Richard for £3-5 million. The fact that he has proved he has the talent previously would make it a gamble worth taking in my opinion. Would I prefer someone like Aurier? Yes, but the chances of us getting him are pretty low (either because he wouldn't come or we wouldn't spend the money). Is your suggestion that he is poorly motivated based on anything in particular by the way? Why is it a gamble worth taking? I'd rather just keep Debuchy. I did say 'if' we are going to sell Debuchy. I would rather keep Debuchy, but I suspect Mike's eyes have lit up at the prospect of more cash. So... if we were to sell Debuchy, I would like to see us try for Aurier, but would be happy with Richards as I think he is underrated. Well, if we're going to sell Debuchy for £12m why not spend £12m getting a top class replacement in? Are there many available? I can't think of many to be honest. And if spending a lesser sum on Richards, meant we could spend more in other areas I would be in favour.

Did play 29 league games when they won the league in 2012. If it is the Richards of 11/12, it's a no-brainer. What we would get is a poorly-motivated, injury-prone, tactically-limited player who isn't anywhere near his best form though. If we are going to sell Debuchy for £10-12 million, I can think of far worse options than Richard for £3-5 million. The fact that he has proved he has the talent previously would make it a gamble worth taking in my opinion. Would I prefer someone like Aurier? Yes, but the chances of us getting him are pretty low (either because he wouldn't come or we wouldn't spend the money). Is your suggestion that he is poorly motivated based on anything in particular by the way? Why is it a gamble worth taking? I'd rather just keep Debuchy. I did say 'if' we are going to sell Debuchy. I would rather keep Debuchy, but I suspect Mike's eyes have lit up at the prospect of more cash. So... if we were to sell Debuchy, I would like to see us try for Aurier, but would be happy with Richards as I think he is underrated.

Did play 29 league games when they won the league in 2012. If it is the Richards of 11/12, it's a no-brainer. What we would get is a poorly-motivated, injury-prone, tactically-limited player who isn't anywhere near his best form though. If we are going to sell Debuchy for £10-12 million, I can think of far worse options than Richard for £3-5 million. The fact that he has proved he has the talent previously would make it a gamble worth taking in my opinion. Would I prefer someone like Aurier? Yes, but the chances of us getting him are pretty low (either because he wouldn't come or we wouldn't spend the money). Is your suggestion that he is poorly motivated based on anything in particular by the way?

Did play 29 league games when they won the league in 2012.

It's absolutely mental when you think about it. The whole 'blueprint' is about maximising value for money and buying potential/unpolished diamonds to develop into great players. Therefore you would have thought that the two absolute must haves are: 1) A manager with a track record of improving and developing players (in particular young players) and getting the most out of limited resources; and 2) Pumping money into good coaching both at first team and youth team level. Neither of which we do. I just don't get why Ashley hasn't grasped this.

I don't think anyone hates him tbh, just that due to a mixture of not playing, not being a professional and never being fit he's nowhere near the player he was. If Debuchy were to go I'd take him mind, a lot better than any replacement i expect us to get in reality. I didn't use 'hate' in the context of 'people genuinely dislike him'. That would be weird. He clearly has talent - he did play 29 league matches when they won the league in 2012.

10 bad games in a malfunctioning team doesn't make him utter shite.

True - you could buy much worse 3rd or 4th strikers for that kind of money. Assuming we bought 1 or 2 quality strikers in addition to LDJ, I wouldn't turn him down at 3-4 million.

Never get the Richards hate to be honest. I would take him in a flash. He hasn't kicked on as he should have done for the natural talent he has, but he is definitely good enough for us.

Is there any reason why the Costa Rican national team (both present and past) has such a mixture of names? Seem to be majority 'Hispanic' names with a smattering of old school British names.

Would be interested to see if anyone goes after Yedlin after last night. I remember reading something about him being quite promising before last night so was interested to see how he would get on.

I am delighted that we have managed to sign a player, but the reports I have read seem to indicate that he isn't particularly technically gifted or a 'creator' of chances in the Cabaye mould. Can someone who watches him regularly confirm what he is like? Is there a player more widely known who he could be likened to? Almost feel we needed a player like Cabella more?

Read a report saying he isn't that technically gifted and isn't a great dribbler. Is that right?

Ronaldo clearly can be mentioned in the same breath as Messi.

As if - on a terrible betting run..

He's a brilliant manager. Not sure how anyone can argue otherwise to be honest.

A friend of a friend is involved with Arsenal and apparently the fitness work they do there is now is abysmal - really dated stuff.

Seriously - he's probably the most respected journalist in England in relation to football tactics and tactical analysis. It's not we're talking about some tabloid hack here. Not even sure what the bit about me being convinced by it even means.

You don't think Jonathan Wilson watches much football? Oh dear..

Great article on England here - http://www.newstatesman.com/lifestyle/2014/06/boring-roy-dared-become-world-cup-cavalier-and-he-suffered-consequences

Could have just been Howard's Tourettes kicking in to be honest.

Hughes played quite a lot at left back as well. My point was that, over the course of his career, he has been predominantly a centre half and a very good one at that. That's all.

Well - bearing in mind he has been playing as a centre half for the last 7 years or so, I am not sure why we would compare him to right backs anyway?

Yep - massively underrated player. Would have done a very good job at centre half over the last however many years.