ExiledGeordie

If his return date remains uncertain (only they will know this and won’t give much away) and if Wilson is also carrying a niggle post World Cup then January recruitment might be altered. They might bring either a striker in or someone who can play both, Thuram off the top of my head. All speculation obviously

Couldn't disagree more. I’d agree with you if Bruce and the old set up was in place. Nobody knows exactly what’s going but he’s in far better hands now. Let’s just let them get in with helping him recover rather than completely writing the lad off for the season.

That’s probably the type of option Howe will want next season with a more attacking left full back

I’m glad I didn’t pay £20 to sit in the cold and watch this

Did I hear Raiser say there was also a training ground match which is why some players aren’t involved?

Saint looks quite sharp

Yeah complete sea change from the desperation last January. I’m excited to see if we can sign one quality difference maker in attack or for the first team then maybe 1-2 for general squad.

Exactly. You just know we’ll be trying our best to get key additions in but won’t have the piss taken out of us.

All starting to heat up now as we get close to Jan 1st ?

At least it’s not going to be -10 when the game kicks off thank Christ ?

Rice discussion aside I do think a quality number 6 is high priority in the summer. We need to free Bruno up a bit and Shelvey will only be a squad player next year really.

Each to their own, I think he’s absolutely quality though. He’s definitely not the most overrated player ?

Was half considering going to this just for something to do but I’m going on Tuesday so will probably give it a swerve.

I think this will be one of the key additions in the summer.

Two clear points raised above. One his fitness in being able to play at our tempo given the amount of time out. If he’s not up to scratch more likely picking up another injury and being less effective. I also work as a physio and I’m sure much of the strength training they’re doing is to isolate why this happened and also weaknesses in other areas which may have contributed or could be an issue once he’s back. The timing needs to be just right. We’re light years ahead of the pub set up with Bruce so he’s in good hands.

I think Pulisic would be fantastic under Howe but not sure re wage demands etc. Hasnt he also had a patchy injury record?

Nobody will want to play us at the moment, especially at St James.

I think this is probably a good shout. There’s an argument that even the lads who’ve been away on World Cup duty need some sharpening with a lack of game time recently but it will be interesting to see what Howe does. You’d like to think we can beat Bournemouth with a mixed side with some starters rested so yes the aim will be have everyone ready for Leicester away which will be tough.

Yes while it’s frustrating he’s been out for so long they’ll be handling it exactly right. If he needs more time to ease back into full training then fine. Some of the over reaction I’ve seen on social media is ridiculous.

For some reason and I have nothing to base this on I see Trossard as possibly a more likely achievable Jan target with Maddison in the summer.

We have lots going for us at the moment but as you say we just don’t know the finer details. He certainly fits the bill as an ideal signing. I mean the thought of him linking up with Bruno et al at St James is mental.

He comes across well and removing the sideshow of Ronaldo will help him massively

I just don’t think Southgate has any tactical ability or in game management. A decent coach would’ve changed things much earlier when it clearly wasn’t working and found a way to get Foden on. He has a defensive mindset and simply doesn’t know how to harness our attacking talent available.

He might have created a great atmosphere for the players and fair play but that only gets you so far. He’s negative and tactically clueless once the game gets going. In game management is horrific

How the fuck doesn’t Foden play? he’s our most dynamic player behind Kane ?