Dr Jinx

Seems we’re waiting for July 1st to start doing business. We’re going to miss out on quite a few decent players if the likes of Liverpool are throwing money about now. Not totally convinced by him, as what I’ve seen at club level has been patchy, he looked great for England at the last tourno though. Does he lose a lot of headers because of the lack of height?

The Stack announcement would certainly point to SJP continuing for a few more years as is while a new stadium is built, if that’s the intention. No reason to doubt that yet. Am guessing any new stadium would negate the need for the stack after that but you can’t deny it’s been a massive success, would be hard to replicate that inside a new stadium.

Overall Howe did an excellent job last season although with the same consistency issues. Saying that, between Ashworth and Mitchell, Howe has appeared to use whatever sway to limit the input by both, seeing them off essentially. You can argue that he’s earned that veto but it’s not a good look for anyone coming in that he just won’t work with them.

Every club has that blueprint now that Chelsea have set out, i can only imagine that we're not going that route because of legal council we've had. OR.. the owners are dead set on turning us into a force gradually and tiny step by tiny step. We won't get that consistency until we start making the right appointments to support the manager.

When he's on the pitch you can tell the difference between what he brings and other "captains". Even Bruno looks to him for guidance as you can see after we won the cup final. The flip side of that is that he's been massively out of sorts this year and last over his family situation. Whether his own doing or not, i can synpathise. He's also reaching that age where things will just slow down, but he's far from done yet. Would be happy if he stayed another year.

Maignan Is 29, while not old for a goalkeeper it doesn’t reduce the squad age like what was an objective. Trafford is the one if we’re going domestic.

I think after the season he’s had, the 30m fee is quite reasonable. We’ll be getting one of the best goalkeepers in the league if it comes off. Pope will push him if he stays.. but his kicking will ultimately see him as the backup eventually. We could potentially have a full back line that are regular England international starters. Some change from the Ashley years.

We know the drill, Eddie won’t use him until he fully trusts him OR the glimpses we see are irrefutable. Like Bruno, we could all see the quality, yet he had him on the bench for best part of a month, maybe more.

It’s just like for like with Wilson really although different players. Body is knackered and he’s low on fitness and confidence. It might work out but who’s to say.. the idea is to take some of the pressure off Isak.. I just can’t see that with someone who will either continue to be injured or take very long to get up to speed with how we play. Hope it’s bullshit.

Howe has never wanted a director of football. He just needs a head of recruitment to get players he wants in. He’s starting to build something here now that doesn’t require someone overseeing him. In fairness to Ashworth, in that aspect he was pretty good, but that ship has sailed. Never go backwards. Recruit from within unless they have a gem lined up. I suspect the new CEO will be a heavyweight.

I’m starting to get the feeling that there could be some big changes in the squad this summer ahead of a big revamp. Still effective mostly but with the top sides we’re a bit predictable at times. Isak and Tonali are really the only players who are untouchable. Maybe Tino and Hall in terms of potential. But with question marks over Botman long term and a long term goalkeeper, the future spine of the team is only 50% nailed down.

Very surprised he was kept on. Absolutely shocking going forward and even worse at the hard work bit. I suspect his peak value would have been last summer. But he’d still get close to 100m if we sold. Just not sure who’d bite based on this season.

Gordon is pissing me off

We look toothless

Willock for Gordon, Osula for Wilson.