Shadow Puppets

It is definitely from their programme notes. It’s up on Twitter. So it’s not really news.

Just to point out… these quotes are taken from tomorrow’s programme notes, which are usually written early in the week and printed midweek. So there’s nothing new or concerning in there, really.

I haven’t got a fucking clue anymore to be honest mate. As of yesterday afternoon Guehi was telling members of our squad that he was expecting to be travelling up here to sort the formalities today (or certainly from the impression he gave very very soon). I have no idea if anything has fundamentally changed or whether it’s just taking (even) longer than expected. But I’m going to refrain from sharing anything else I hear on this one… there’s clearly a lot of mixed info flying around to journalists and players.

😁

Barnes is right footed though.

Was it recorded today?

So Eddie has pretty much confirmed this morning that he hasn’t asked to leave. But didn’t rule it out. Which makes sense. From what I saw on Saturday and through the rest of the summer he didn’t strike me as someone who was desperate to be away like.

He hasn’t come out with anything though has he? It’s just Craig Hope doing what Craig Hope does.

Craig Hope stirring the shit again.

👀 Okay... so I've just been told what I'm assuming is the same as what Downie has been told, hence his confidence today. We're expecting to get this deal agreed tonight / tomorrow, and Guehi is hoping to travel up tomorrow. That is the plan, as things stand, apparently. Whether this info is watertight or not, I don't know, but it comes from someone pretty damn reliable with close ties. Sounds like we're nearing endgame.

🤷‍♂️ I was simply replying to Jack saying that they clearly aren't together anymore.

You're probably right. I'd just be surprised if he's asked to leave / if he was desperate to leave. There's every chance he may leave, I know... it just goes against what they're telling people 🤷‍♂️

They seemed very much together at the weekend 🤷‍♂️

The bit in bold isn’t accurate as of Saturday. Box hasn’t been taken, you're right. But they have bought a new house.

For what it's worth (probably not much), I'd still be a little bit surprised if he leaves. As recently as at the weekend, all seemed OK and according to some of his family they're all still settled up here. I know earlier in the summer Villa had enquired about him but it was knocked back, as did a French team (think it might have been Nice). At that time, at least (around the end of the Euros), he wasn't interested in leaving. But obviously you don't know what goes on behind closed doors and whether the outward show is very different to the reality. 🤷‍♂️

Yeah... that's bullshit (100%). And making up stories (which I assume your source has decided to do for shits and giggles) isn't helpful to anyone.

For what it's worth, still (as of this morning) I'm told that they're working hard trying to sort the Guehi deal. Still their number 1 choice, player still expecting it to happen soon. There might very well be truth in us opening talks with Tapsoba too, but the Guehi deal isn't dead.

Loans historically happen in the last couple of days of the window, without fail.

I haven’t, sorry.

They aren’t only going to be talking to Palace about Geuhi… they’ll have other irons in other fires too.

We’re a good team, no doubt, but we’re a million miles away from City and Arsenal in my book (and probably Liverpool). 4th is realistic with a couple of additions though.

Challenge for the title? 😁

Great news this… gives him the full time responsibility, and gives a constant voice and focal point on the pitch, especially if Tripps is going to be a more bit part player this year.

One of my biggest takeaways from Saturday, by the way, is just how much we miss Trippier when we have the ball. He dictates the tempo down that side of the pitch. Love Tino, but he doesn’t quite have that control of the game.