Coffee_Johnny

29 days of the transfer window gone (feels like a thousand), 42 days left. Though only 23 days until we kick-off the season. Howay man, get cracking!

Is this genuine?

Why do they fail in a two man pairing? Genuinely curious. You might want to check out the defensive performance/overall results, relative to the rest of the Premier League, for the most recent 19 games before answering.

Hence the emphasis on the ‘f’ word in the post you first felt moved to reply to. Which was basically saying flexibility in the midfield roles is my preference over having a designated ‘water carrier’ alongside other specialist roles. And your ‘30yrs ago =bad/fucked when sussed’ idea, doesn’t fit with my current understanding or past recollection. The ‘modern’ teams who are too reliant on slow build-up seeking the perfect moment, even Man City at times, struggle more against certain formations because they can lack the flexibility of having a whole host of unpredictable potential sources and methods of attack which can come from having more free flowing flexible all rounders in the team. Coached and supported to be exactly that. A style of play/philosophy which is also exponentially more entertaining to watch.

Then I think we’re saying the same thing. We’d both prefer to see a bit more of that in all midfield roles. Which is how I remember your implied criticism of the game 30 years ago. Players with the attributes and flexibility to do everything well. It makes a difference. Not least in terms of how enjoyable it is to watch.

Looks like it. Man’s a competitor and knows he’s under threat, bet he’s been working his arse off.

Perhaps I am, and perhaps I always will. However, are you assuming that a metronomic, death by a thousand cuts, style of football is proven to be better than a more fluid flexible approach with all rounders (like Bruno) in the lynchpin/engine room positions? Theories and approaches come in and out of fashion. It only takes one ‘rule breaking’ side to break the mould and get coaches scrabbling to re-write the, usually over certain, coaching manuals.

Personally I think it is about flexibility. It can be soul destroying to watch a Ray Wilkins, Deschamps (two better versions of ‘our three’ mentioned) style midfield which over relies on possession and passing opponents to death. I’d prefer to watch a player who intelligently uses the ball, whether it be to pause and play the short pass awaiting an opportunity to materialise or to crack a long penetrating pass into the channels. I think Wijnaldum was our best recent example of this. And he went on to show what such flexibility, and willingness to follow-up, can produce when surrounded by well coached equally good players. I’m not knocking ‘specialist’ roles in midfield, I just think we need everyone to be able to do everything pretty well, and not be a predicable one trick pony, in order to progress. That said, I acknowledge that I have a bias. I absolutely loved the fluidity and flexibility of our attack under Keegan. Even in the 1st division (championship) and first premiership season, before the arrival of more expensive players.

Level flipping 5! Christ, I know nowt.

Yah! Get him a go-kart.

Also, eats healthily, even on the move. Not to be underrated ?

Would Conor Gallagher be Howe’s cup of tea, do you think?

Awesome for you all! Congratulations to her, you and the whole fambo!

Yep, heard good things. He was top scorer in a youth international tournament. He’s Rory Delap’s son.

Knew they wouldn’t pay close to what we reputably offered. He hasn’t done anything yet, beyond show first season potential.

That thin blue stripe on the left looks like he’s got a bag over his shoulder! ?

However, this would be ideal for another team I can think of. The most entertaining offering since their skinny striped plastic bag effort.

Those off-centre stripes! Are they actually mean to be like that! Looks like an error.

Gan canny Ciaran ?

Thinking through games with special atmospheres that I have witnessed. These factors spring to mind: 1. Significance of the points/cup progression (promotion, relegation, QF/SF/Final— three FA Cup semis, Portsmouth at home, Grimsby away in 1992 and 1993 [thank you David Kelly!] come to mind). 2. Emotional significance of result — own back, in a small way on Man Utd in 1996 immediately springs to mind. 3. Excitement over opposition/delight at being there/where we were as a club. Barcelona at home, 1997 (night game too); Monaco at home UEFA QF. 4. Specialness of an individual (showing love/release of tension)—Last home game of relegation season 2016, thumping a very good Spurs team who needed to win. Keegan’s first game as a player 1982. 5. Tribalism—some best forgotten West Ham and Chelsea matches in 1980s (home and away) with all that came with them in those days. O’Brien ‘the elder’s’ goal at Joker in 1992. First win there I had seen, after brutal journey to the ground.

Not sure my mood is wildly fluctuating that would fit the witty bipolar notion, but can’t lie… I still am hoping for a, probably 11th hour, marquee surprise. That said, won’t be disappointed with a young striker, and a wide right forward and hopefully a technical but workhorse CM. One or two on loan would be fine.

“Where’s the people around you to hug you bro?” ?

Everton also still linked with Conor Gallagher. I have a really good feeling about him, and what he could bring to us. I think he’s my favoured CM ‘could be’ of this summer. Some blurb below: https://www.coachesvoice.com/cv/conor-gallagher-crystal-palace-chelsea/

Just noticed there’s a city in Portugal (north east of Porto) called Guimarães. Think we need a supporters branch there!

Love seeing stuff like this. Really pleased they are releasing so much behind the scenes footage. Great team building.