Coffee_Johnny

They all seem to be dotted around the South Trafford/North Cheshire area—some of the most affluent pockets outside the Home Counties stockbroker belt. I think he would probably fit right in as a Rusholme Ruffian though!

‘Tap in merchant’… one of the many new things to me this transfer window.

Nothing online to suggest this yet.

? ?

Sorry to hear you’re so conflicted. You obviously love NUFC, and spend so much time writing and thinking about ‘us’, it must be hard to be ‘half in’. I don’t know how others reconcile their concerns, if they have them, about KSA being in the background of our ownership. I wouldn’t dream of espousing what is right thing to do. Each to their own. Personally, I have adopted the same kind of approach I took to other regimes, whether McKeag et al., (lesser) concerns about the Halls and Shepherd, and the previous shitshow. A bit head in the sand maybe, but as long as I can identify with and respect the values of the leadership closest to the players, and most involved in the direction the club is taking, then I am in. I opted out after the infuriating disrespect to and undermining of Keegan, drifted back and then opted out when Rafa experienced similar. I’m 100% back in now. Hope you find a way of reconciling things, mate. Or are more comfortable, than I imagine I would be, staying as you are.

Also like the black and white entrance hall, a SBR suggestion apparently.

Loved that post!

A balanced ‘whelm’. Refreshing!

Soooo wish I had tripled him!

Everton perhaps?

I love Shola. He’s bright, warm and personable, committed to NUFC, knows the ropes, loves apples. What’s not to like? I would trust him to do most any job he was properly supported to do.

I’m going too. First time in an age. Super excited!

Take your points, but I genuinely think they would be fine. Would be a lot easier obvs if the opposition rarely had the ball ?

Ok, I’m currently setting my heart on (myself up for disappointment regarding…) Ramos, Gallagher and a.n.other (possibly Pedro).

Not so sure myself. Whilst they’re unlikely to vie for places in anyone’s PL team of the season, I wouldn’t see either as a liability for a top six side. I’ve picked out two seasons which demonstrate how getting the blend right can bring out more from the defensive group. We finished third (1993) with a combo/mixture of 4 from: Venison, Beresford, Scott, Watson, Robinson, Neilson, Howey and Peacock. Goals against 41 (82 scored; 42 played). And third again (2003) with: Hughes, O’Brien, Griffin, Bernard, Caldwell, Bramble, Dabidaz, Woodgate. Goals against 48 (63 scored). All listed pretty much in order of most appearances. I don’t see Burn and Targett as in anyway worse players than the majority above.

Yep, I’d be excited about that. Re the CM thing, just noticed Wijnaldum went off to Roma on loan from PSG. Shame.

Opinion basically means the same thing as thought. Neither are necessarily knowledge or fact based. Makes more sense to contrast both with overly firm beliefs being espoused as facts. Fuck me, what am I typing this for. Just get the lad signed already.

? really tickled me ?

Great article. High praise from two accomplished coaches who know him well.

You know, I really could!

We’re getting to the point of the window where it becomes difficult for clubs, we are seeking to buy from, to replace players who they presumably weren’t planning to sell. This requirement of potential sellers being willing to weaken their squads, along with many supposed targets already gone, does not create an environment in which we are likely to pick up bargains or even value for money (VfM) signings. That leaves players who selling clubs don’t need or want, as they have already strengthened, or teams who want to reduce numbers, get rid of malcontents, or lessen the wage bill (the three Chelsea possibilities). Or are made an offer they can’t refuse. So it may come to the point of acknowledging we gave the VfM strategy a good go but we have to overpay/meet inflated expectations. (… there’s always horse’s heads in beds!). Guessing/hoping the real issue here is the extent the new decision makers really want to push on this season. I think we are really close to a squad capable to challenge for European football and give ‘anyone’ a one-off beating in a cup game. Obviously our ambition and level of patience as fans— with no reputational risk of bad decisions, or balancing books, keeping existing squad happy, committing to future problems by stretching a wage structure—isn’t as tempered as the collective leadership structure at SJP. If they are genuinely content to consolidate, have a safe season, build again next year, then they won’t stretch. Simple as that. The benefits don’t outweigh the costs involved. I’d like to say I am easy either way; we should all be easy either way. Just trust them. It would be the right thing to feel and to say. Thing is though, I think we are so thirsty after such a long quality-drought and so keen to keep momentum, and new stars happy and involved, that we want further improvement now. We are close; teams are there for the overtaking. Next 16 days determines what we can realistically hope for this season. Let’s hope we stretch ourselves; literally reach for the stars.

So many of the selection outside the box. Touch, turn, shoot. Must have been a nightmare to try and defend.

Well, it’ll give the hardy few a better trip home.

Head won, eh? Oh, well… ?

Asprilla’s palying for Watford. Can we not have him? Even if just for the craic?