Armchair Pundit

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.

Seeing other teams (Liverpool, Tottenham, Villa, Southampton) signing players we've previously been linked with, while our own deals for Botman and Ekitike stall, is getting me kind of nervous about the actual capabilities of our recruitment staff and buying power under our new owners. That's not to say I'm about to start screeching that we're shit or the new owners aren't up to the job, though it does cause the smallest of doubts to creep in over whether the reported wealth and backing that was touted as part and parcel of being owned by the PIF was actually realistic. ... before anyone says it, yes, I know we've had years of mis-management and neglect but I can't help feeling things are being done a little slowly, with new players and new facilities. ... what I need to do is remember that whatever happens, we're still in a place a million times better than we were under Ashley! *edit: actually, I think @STM's comment above is where I'm at right now

Fucking hell, Klopp? What a load of bollocks.

Player of the Season: Joelinton Most Improved Player of the Season: Krafth Most Disappointing Player: Wood Signing of the Season: Bruno Goal of the Season (feel free to rank your top 3): 1) Bruno's back heeler 2) Trippier round the wall 3) Almiron against Palace Game of the Season: Arsenal at home On the pitch Moment of the Season (we all know the takeover was the off-field most important): Probably Trippier's free kick moment, but still enjoyed seeing the oil protester smacked in the face by the supporter at the Everton match Manager rating out of 10: 8/10 Season rating out of 10: Hard to mark this one, it was one of the worst first halves to a season I've seen for us, but the second half was one of the best. Certainly exciting since Christmas and the takeover felt like a cup win, I'm going with solid 7/10

Ha! Wycombe aren't at the races, it makes a bit of sick jump up my throat but the Mackems deserve it so far. To be honest, as much as it's funny them being in League One, I wouldn't be adverse to playing them in the Prem again one day, now that we're no longer hamstrung by a shit owner employing shit managers and half-arsed players.

That Sunderland home shirt looks gash, like it's faded in the sun... derland.