xLiaaamx

Jay Rodriguez charged with Racism.

I absolutely love this "He's only not liked because he's local" crap On the contrary, the only supporters these type of players have is the one's who think being from the area means something special. They also stay well past when they should. Ameobi got far too many contract extensions when he should have been moved on. It was the same with Colback. Got his drum banged by the fans because he "loved the club".

Can't wait to rage at a 1-0 loss.

Or we could just keep having these casual but meaningless discussions because thats the whole point of a football forum.

14/15's was worse than the one that actually went down anyway.

McClaren's piss poor spine was his own fault though. His fault for deciding to get Coloccini to sign a new deal, and not put any faith in Lascelles. Even to the point Williamson was going to start the season ahead of him. Also his own fault he couldn't see Abeid was a better player than Anita and Colback by miles and binned him off.

He was absolutely finished man. Worse than Gayle and Joselu.

He wasn't motivated, that's for sure, neither was Thauvin, but that doesn't mean they weren't quality players. We haven't been a side that attracts ambitious players for a while now, because we don't have any ambition as a club. If anything Rafa has fought tooth and nail to change that, but with Ashley it's obviously a losing battle. No excuse for the run in. Even Sissoko bothered himself enough to try then.

Yeah, but their new club would be a nothing entity with no history, characterised by nothing other than some pink seats.

Love how it takes him falling over for Robert to bother going over to him

Considering Shelvey and Saivet hardly played. ((That year, though poor Henri never got his chance)) There's a good chance our January addtions might be better this year. Kenedy's already making a big impact on us.

4 goals in one game, one in a dead rubber. The rest of the season wasn't that great

To each their own, but he only played 8 games and we didn't win a single one. I don't think he offered much. Darlow's played 10 and we've only won one of those tbf, but I take your point Yeah, fair point. I guess I should clarify I didn't really consider him part of the squad, considering he was available too little so it didn't really strengthen the squad. I was going off the basis the keepers we're pretty much the same really. I still honestly think, as much as I hate his guts, that's Sissoko on the counter is the biggest difference between the two teams. Aye, when we're under pressure now we have no out ball, its a hoof up to nobody or it may as well be nobody anyway. Even on bad days, Sissoko would run a bit and win a throw in or something and get us up the pitch a little bit. Getting us up the pitch by winning us throws and corners was probably his best attribute Its why I want Murphy playing to be honest. I feel even when he's picking the wrong pass, or over hitting his crosses or scuffing a shot - at least he can still always use his pace to get us 40-50 yards up the pitch. Neither Ritchie or Atsu can carry it well, they both need it right around the box to cause their damage as they lack the pace - Much like Wijnaldum was worthless deeper. (Although much more talented than those two), We need some running to gain territory when we're under pressure.

Do you think Cattermole's wage reduction in his contract was just for one relegation, or will it happen again if they go down again

To each their own, but he only played 8 games and we didn't win a single one. I don't think he offered much. Darlow's played 10 and we've only won one of those tbf, but I take your point Yeah, fair point. I guess I should clarify I didn't really consider him part of the squad, considering he was available too little so it didn't really strengthen the squad. I was going off the basis the keepers we're pretty much the same really. I still honestly think, as much as I hate his guts, that's Sissoko on the counter is the biggest difference between the two teams.

Unless I'm mistaken that was PL, wasn't it? Even with the relegation drops, it could be even higher now, such is the drop in income. Add that to other costs, and just why would anyone buy them? Once you've paid off Short and the other loan, the club will still haemorrhage money and is in no place to go up to the PL. Anyone would have to be mad to buy them, you'd be better off starting a new club.

To each their own, but he only played 8 games and we didn't win a single one. I don't think he offered much.

Oh, and Mitrovic was better than Joselu has been.

When talking about the strength that year and mentioning townsend, it's worth noting he was here less than half the season. Whatever that's worth. In reality, the only clear upgrades in the team from august-january would be the waster twins, Sissoko and Wijnaldum.

He didn't always look like that though. Unfortunately he's looking more and more Williamson with every game. Lascelles isn't good on the ball, infact Clark's always been seen as better, but he doesn't seem to panic. He seems to just play it if he's got a good option, and launch it if not. But Clark's lauching it differently. Like as hard as he can, straight away.

((Also, I feel I needed to make that point with a more clear head after my silly outburst at the weekend.))

Use Jacob Murphy as his pace is much more suited to a counter attacking system that we seem to use than Matt Ritchie who appears to get too many chances for a man playing as poorly as he is, without taking into account the fact he can't go up the pitch without being caught out due to his lack of pace. Might help us take off the pressure and be more effective going forward, might do nothing. But it's been about 3 months since Ritchie's last meaningful contribution and he hampers us going forward. It's the one mistake I think we're making. With Kenedy and Shelvey on the pitch, he wasn't even on set pieces. That's his only asset and I really think for our sake we could do without him for an extended period, not just the 1 game which his seems to be his limit out of the team at the minute. There, that's the only one thing I'd do differently. Everything else is spot on I feel. Obviously I'd be bringing Slimani straight in too for a quality upgrade now.

Lejeune looks better on the ball and looks calmer. No idea how that translates to stats. Clark looks like he's bricking it when it's coming to him. Think Mbemba's better than both of them on the ball, but probably is too adventurous with it for Rafa's liking.

At the end of the day, I don't believe for one minute Short didn't know about Johnson. Wouldn't ever give money to his cause for that alone.

Are Chelsea sure they're in a situation where they can afford to farm Kenedy out?