duo

This. Can't believe Rafa would have signed up to manager us in the Championship if he wasn't promised he'd be given money for players. He clearly has had players in mind but the club haven't delivered. Long term this isn't good - promotion or not he'll walk.

Totally agree. It's ridiculous.

Can't blame Mitro for us conceding 3.....

Rafa is smart he'll just choose his words carefully - seem to remember him referencing 'till end of the season' quite a lot.

..or gets injured.

I am not so sure. Rafa is the most meticulous manager we've ever had - our Summer transfer activity was proof of that - there was no messing around. Rafa would have identified his Jan transfer targets months is advance. He always mentions how he's in constant comms with Lee Charnley so it would have been with a budget in mind. Something has definitely occurred. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/20/newcastle-andros-townsend-crystal-palace Strongly placed to win promotion from the Championship, Newcastle have ample cash reserves but Mike Ashley, their owner, has provided Benítez with a rather less generous budget this month than had originally been envisaged

I think you're right. He's too honourable to walk away now. Ashley will never change. All he cares about is just being in the premier league.

Pleased Ritchie is getting back on the score sheet.

We've lost. Guaranteed to give a stupid foul away which will lead to a goal. Birminghams' 12th man. You'd think he'd replaced Xavi, not an utterly s*** obsolete excuse for a midfielder. I'm not defending Tiote but why risk it with Collback when Hayden is on the bench.

We've lost. Guaranteed to give a stupid foul away which will lead to a goal. Birminghams' 12th man.

Be surprised if someone comes in now. All too quiet.

I just have a feeling something has changed. Not convinced by Rafa's replies.

That would be an incredible signing. Aye Would be a great signing.

Always thought it was a strange singing.

Great end to the game

Sevilla vs Real - looking forward to this.

Naively I thought MA was keeping his nose out of footballing matters and leaving Rafa to it.

Are the leagues in China governed by FIFA? If so they need to put a stop to this (i.e. wage cap) as it's just getting out of control. I cannot blame these players for going as the money being offered is on another level. But if something isn't done the best leagues in the world are going to be ruined by this.

Typical McLaren - was clueless on how to change it.

We need to find some form...and quick. Leeds looked decent.

I take it you didn't see the game against them at SJP a few weeks ago. Nope was on Holiday.

Certainly has lost his early season form. Amazed he's started recently over Atsu.