Armchair Pundit

It's giving me a headache, if it keeps jumping like this I'm gonna have a fecking seizure!

Is Botman playing on the left or right of central defense?

Come on, this is arse.

My steam's died altogether now

Less than Chelsea

Which bit?!

Yes, don't get me wrong, I'm not wigging out yet, just a bit disappointed every time I see other clubs signing or close to signing players we'd previously been linked with (though how true those links were is up for debate). I know we're a millions times better than we were, the new owners are a fantastic improvement, it's hard not to get swayed by comparisons with how Man City changed so quickly when they got bought out. I know we're supposed to be taking a more steady approach, it doesn't stop you dreaming though and being a little impatient - sometimes logic and reality takes a battering from fantasising.

Must admit, I'm feeling a little underwhelmed by our efforts in comparison to other so-called big clubs (the rich ones). That said, it's probably safe to say that some of it down to the shit infrastructure we've had for so long.

I see Chelsea are up to their old tricks of buying up as many players as possible to stop others getting them.

I quite like the look of that Karim Adeyemi lad, shame he went to Dortmund.

Still think we need a marquee signing this window

Just keeping it there

Aye, that's fair, to be honest I completely missed the 'bit'

Personally, he can fook off unless he ditches his agent.

What dubious history is that then? Ginola? Robert, Cabaye, Zoggy? They all did well and were idolised. ASM's had a slightly bumpy ride but in general is liked, as was Ben Arfa (wasn't the fan's fault he struggled for playing time). Thauvin and Cabella weren't good enough at the time so couldn't break into the first team. The only french players I can think of who actually got 'some' grief from the fans was Boumsong and Obertan, I wouldn't call them 'flair' players though. Even Guivach didn't get any bother, though mainly because everyone thought he was one of the physios.

Well that's fair I guess, though I think he clearly wanted to go to Milan over us. The question is then over his professionalism and ability to keep an open mind on the project he's coming into.

I'm not interested in this guy anymore, his agent's blown it imo and Ekitike sticking with him and posting his stupid social media has confirmed it. I don't want players that are all about the money, regardless of how much we've got floating around. On a side note, I think a new striker is key so we should be looking elsewhere so we can get them bedded in.

I know we need to coax these bigger players to the team by any means possible as things currently stand and I'll be grateful of the improvement they bring. But the one thing that worries me (and it may be after getting our fingers burnt with Owen years ago), is are they going to be fully invested into the project and buy into the team? Really hope so because I like the look of Botman.

Link - one of several via Newsnow

Botman done then, on to 'Gabigol'!

What's wrong with Burns? He'll do for now, I'd be more inclined to move Lacelles on tbh.

The problem for us is we need to strengthen not only the first eleven, but also the actual depth of the squad itself after years of neglect. Probably explains some of the lesser known or apparently underwhelming signings to some degree.

I can't help feeling that football agents are a bit like solicitors when buying a house - neither do very much and they like to drag things out to make it look like they're worth the money they hoodwink out of people.

Hasn't Calvert-Lewin's downturn be at the same time that he's been suffering from mental health issues? That aside, I wouldn't touch Bailly with a barge-pole.