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Which makes it crucial that you find the right man for the job. I doubt Pearce's credentials.

He's been with England U-21s so maybe a future role in the coaching set-up there.

Huge blow to Martinez' start as Everton manager. Going to have find another player capable of playing a quick, passing game based on intelligence and movement.

Hypothetically speaking of course, I see no reason why he would want to come back and work under Pardew again. He's already achieved the absolute maximum this club will reach under Pardew and Ashley, and we won't be able to match the wages he is currently on at Chelsea. There'll also be a few clubs capable of giving him what he wants financially, with the added incentive of trophies if he is interested in those.

I don't think he's spoke publicly about it, it's just something that has possibly leaked or been made up. It could be a problem for a few of our players, if it is something that has been falsified its an odd time to make it up, so long after the Wonga deal was finalised. Allowing him to wear a different sponsor or no sponsor at all could be a workaround, though how happy Wonga would be about this I'm unsure of. It happened with Kanoute at Sevilla, then he eventually agreed to just wear the sponsor "888.com". It does become a headache if Wonga stick their heels in, as all players wearing the sponsor on their t shirt must be a pretty basic and mandatory requirement in our agreement.

It's risky to buy before you sell as there's so many factors that could stop your player from moving. I can't see us doing that unless we need a player in that position anyway.

He scored goals for us when we were playing poorly. I'd take him back in an instant. I don't think we'll play a particularly good style of play under Pardew so players scoring goals off their own back seems pivotal.

I don't rate him but he's an improvement over what we have beyond Ben Arfa. I think with £10m we have shown we could do better. Why am I even discussing this when he hasn't been linked?

Took the decisions which he "thought" were best, then pointing out the objectives he failed to successfully complete.. definite swipe at him.

I would hope we have a short list of players we could make a move for if any of ours leave. Cabaye isn't irreplaceable, it would just cost money to get equal or better quality in.

Good news. Hope a club that can afford him that are closer to home for him don't come in for him though. This could get nasty if he decides he wants to strike or act unprofessionally, but I don't think he will.

What are they upto out there?

6 foot 3 I do recall. This talk of a £100k a week deal to go to West Ham is daft like.

No idea what Sammy's future looks like, really could go other way. I think he'll prove to be useful in spells. I just wouldn't like to see us having to rely on him. Another season out on loan and then go from there, I don't think he'll be quite ready even the season after the coming one.

Would like to see him manage again somewhere. I wonder if he gets many job offers when positions become available. I do still like the bloke and I'm very grateful for what he has done for this football club. He loves the game and likes to see it played in the right way, it's hard to dislike him.

Same with coaches and managers.

Sounds absolutely embarrassing, but totally expect that of Souness.

City don't have to operate in the real world and worry about resale value. If he helps to win them a few league titles and they progress further in Europe, it's a successful transfer.

Definitely sounds like it's worth picking up. How true some of it is is another question, however.

Can remember playing with Rui Costa and Kaka as AM's behind Shevchenko on PES4 or 5. Definitely one of the best midfielders I've seen, his technique was phenomenal.

So there has, potentially, been a mackem in Milan?

Hatem Ben Arfa.

Any transfer policy will have flaws in it. There is a need to assess each given situation and be flexible towards it if it warrants. I respect the need to be thrifty, but there is also a need to compete. Last summer was a farce.