Altamullan

Morata scored a total of 20 in 43 appearances; 15 in 26 league appearances. Still not too shabby.

That whole thread is an entertaining read and not even in the usual freak show way. There is actually an outbreak of reasonableness at one point. Increases my faith in mankind (kind of). (P.s. Anybody who disagrees with with me is a smoggie/Makem bastard. P.p.s. Think I have been influenced...)

Second cousins, rather than separated at birth?

I think they would be crazy to sell Dier/can't see it. I suspect the importance of the young English spine of him, Dele and Kane does beyond their undoubted abilities and sets the tone for the team spirit and drive.

Know what you mean. Liked his voice/manner but definitely went to the 'shy bairns get nowt' school of journalism.

Looks a good idea at the mo! Fit, creative, little competition.

Zabaleta aged 30-32 vs Walker age 25-27 doesn't feel the most valid comparison (on the wane vs at absolute physical peak). I think they're both great players; but would take a 27 year old Zabaleta every time. What a man.

Came in to post 'it's all been a bit quiet on the Ritchie front anything to worry about?' Read the entries above and well: yes, no, and maybe (but for different reasons) seem to be the answers!

Ginola? flawed! How very dare you... (discuss )

I thought the general view was that The Championship was more physical? Genuinely don't know...

If they've come through the age groups together, it meet be a tricky to prevent any impact on their 'sibling rivalry' now Jacob's been headhunted for the big league. Hopefully he'll be successful enough here to give his brother something he could be jealous about, but their relationship is strong enough for it not to make a difference. (Can't help picturing them as two toddlers in toon tops! )

I hear him and Colo are going to link up again. Getting a fishing boat together.

Oh well, scrap that idea then. Actually, irrespective of us finishing third, given the squad at present, I might take a 0-1 anyway

Some quite damning comments from the PSG manager floating around the ether. But then obvious he wasn't his cup of tea. No sugar coating on the way the lack of effort in that press-up video was interpreted; not nice at all, really took the biscuit.

After all our deseparation to see him signed, would be quite amusing if Aarons kept him out of the team! Actually as long as it's because young Rolando is playing well, rather than because Murphy isn't, then all it's good. A bit of friendly competition might bring them both on.

Why is Chance the Rapper in Norwich? Oh well, he doubt he'll be fighting to take the free kicks!

We're not a million miles away from these two for this season. Let's hope we have similar results

Just 'sneaked' achieved with absolutely perfect timing, my target for last season. Top ten finish is my target/ambition for this season. I am just not that lucky, so imagine we'll just miss out: 11th.

That's what the mad panic was about? Honestly the agendas of some on here are ludicrous. Not really, there would be absolutely no need for Rafa to mention Ashley if he was perfectly happy, it was a tactical move from him. It's a slight nudge not a resignation letter. The reaction on here was like it was the end of the world. It's like a cult around here, let's see who can be the most grief stricken and who hates everything the most. Can see a few people not making it through this summer, razor blades at the ready, cut down people not across. It is a slight nudge, and I am not one of the people who have been worried, but it is a qualitative change and the first hard evidence of frustration with, and mistrust of, the club (rather than the market). I appreciate you've had some unwarranted stick Dokko, and made a fine job of defending your point, but the razor blade comment is poor taste, man.

Welcome to your spiritual home, bonny lad!

Is that you Lee?

DEFCON 3 for me now. (DEFinitely CONcerned).

My eyes hurt.

The Murphy saga has probably feels so important to us because of what it has come to represent: a tug or war between Rafa (wanting to spend however much) and 'Lee-Mike' (axis of evil, withholding money etc etc). Prospect of not giving ourselves a decent chance this season and/or disaffecting a manager who has the capability to make us so much better and, for many, has helped them trust NUFC (enough) to love it again, adds a ton of emotion to all these transactions. Not to mention worrying similarities to the past. Would Murphy be that pivotal if we knew that Rafa had a price he wasn't prepared to go beyond? Or if failing to get him was swiftly followed by signing two more experienced Premeir League ready players later in the week? Don't think it's Murphy per se but what we think this means about the likelihood of future spending and the security of our manager that is pivotal. Maybe though, unless we are accurate in what we assume (good vs evil, tug of war) then really it is only pivotal to us and our feelings, which don't influence the real situational all.

25 or 45, can't decide which is the more remarkable number.