ExiledGeordie

There's something in this line of thought, actually. He seems to be the only owner constantly being caught off-guard by transfer "packets," wages, commissions and all. What world has he been living in? He's watched every single club pass him by it seems. f***ing nuts. He clearly knows nothing about football and fails year on year to learn from his mistakes. If he dicks Rafa around to the point where he's off at Xmas and we're languishing near the bottom of the table we are basically completely screwed. He stands to risk millions but for some basic sensible decisions on transfers. I've never understood this about Ashley and never will. His methods have failed miserably and even when presented a chance with a top coach he's seemingly making life difficult. I genuinely believe he thinks the fans will turn up whatever and just doesn't really care either way

I'm looking forward to seeing a Rafa side in the prem and will enjoy it while it lasts but you just get the feeling it'll go belly up sooner or later with the morons at board level. The next few weeks will be interesting to see if they at least bring in a decent striker, keeper, midfielder and/or full back. Striker is absolutely vital though and you think if they piss about and go past the window with only Gayle and Mitrovic that'll be the final signal to Rafa

Justin Barnes a barrier to progression, well there's a fucking surprise eh A financial lawyer who knows nothing about football holding up transfers

Great that we've gone into the transfer market with such gutsy excitement recruiting key players already Hats off to Charnley and those above for the tenacity

I have it on good authority that three different players were set to sign end of June (Abraham was one of them) but Charnley got clever and moved the goalposts. Basically penny pinching and wouldn't cough up. All three fucked off and Rafa close to walking. Sounds like same old shit to me, just different year

It doesn't inspire me with much confidence when Atsu is the only player we've signed and we're waiting on Gouffran. Sounds like there's been stuff going on behind he scenes. I hope a load of quality players start rolling in asap but i hope it's just frustration in the market causing the delay a step opposed to something more sinister.

10m already earmarked for Thauvin. We'll generate 20m easily

I'm here mate. Been a long time coming this and I'm under no illusions, it'll be a hard league to get out of next season. Without investment? I hope the young lads step up. Our U23 side is in a final. They must have something. With/Without Moyes? I must be one of few who think sticking with him is the best option. He was dealt a s*** hand both at the start and throughout this season. Hasn't helped himself I admit but I think he could build something. I feel pretty apathetic towards this, pretty 'meh'. My shift change has recently allowed myself to get a season ticket again next season for the first time in four years. I'm looking forward to going to every game again and a weekend away in Leeds with some of the lads off my Sunday league team. Still my team, I'm disappointed, it's not the end of the world I think Moyes was dealt a bit of a shit hand but he's been been so dour the way he's come across. He just doesn't seem to have inspired or organised players one iota. Normally you'd say you lot can't change the manager again but you just get the feeling it's going to be more of the same shit with him there. No idea who else's you'd go for though

Spot on. For example a proper attacking left winger carrying a goal threat, a proper Number 10 and solid, experienced centre half would make a huge difference. Shelvey and Ritchie would get so much more space to operate in if we have a proper number 10 and left winger.

I think he'd take 70m plus players sales

It's just so great having someone like him as manager. A class act who identifies with the fans and region. What a difference to the horrendous ego driven nonsense of Pardew

The absolute worst cliches are being thrown about already. Jason whopper Cundy for example on talk sport last night. These characters just throw out these age old cliches about nufc "think they're a big club" "demand too much" "will expect champions league next season" blah blah blah There's very few who talk sense

Assuming Ashley doesn't fuck this up again and Rafa is backed properly I just can't wait to see the players he gets in to fit his system. Watching a well drilled Rafa side with genuine quality and ability will really be something

I'd imagine he'll be given a chance next season given he's played quite well in the premier league before. Would be ironic if he suddenly started performing again

I agree, there's been too much pressure on Shelvey with zero creativity at number 10. Can see Benitez going for someone like McCarthy at Everton too though

This is his issue and he doesn't make up for it in other areas of his game

Have my doubts about him being here next season but just going to enjoy the fact he's got us up currently

Yeah some excellent posts above. He's had to pick up a complete mess of a club and there's been enormous pressure going into this season with the financial ramifications of not going back up at the first attempt. The squad has been so brittle for so long and so many people have been looking to see us fail. There's been unbelievable pressure throughout and recently it's started to tell. I think he's managed things extremely well even if our play has been a bit dull at times. The goal was purely to get promotion, first or second.

How many new starters do you reckon Rafa is looking at? LB, CB, CM, LW, No10, striker?

I though I'd read that Gayle might be ok for it, not sure about Clark though

And it's become clear that without key members of our team we just completely lack a cutting edge going forward and sta unity at the back. I'm guessing the players he'd indentified for Jan was to combat this.

There has to be a major inquest into today from everyone, collapse of epic proportions. Sit down and bash this out and decide if they want to go up or not

"our" players

Save for the odd flash he's been garbage all season

That's my feelings, we just don't have enough leaders and the longer this goes on the more stressed and incompetent the players become under the pressure