Dr Jinx

I’d much rather stick with a semi crocked Wilson and a mostly available Isak but have Minteh doing more leg work for them. DCL just seems like a massive Chris Wood shaped backward step, whether or not he’s a better player, it’s been 3/4 years since he showed that form. Wood has at least been consistent in his averageness.

The precedent has been set by Chelsea and the PL ruled that they couldn’t do anything about it, so that loophole is still open. That the club haven’t used it raises more questions as it would solve any budget issues for the whole summer.

I think these spurious bids or “enquiries” are gamesmanship from the other clubs. Any club found in breach of PSR rules can have it put to them that they had opportunities to sell players, which I think may affect the level of punishment. I’m still on fence about where we’re at with that.. I just can’t see the club leaving it so late to deal with this so it could be total bullshit.

If Isak hadn’t missed the games he did, I reckon he’d have finished top scorer. He’s the most all round accomplished forward in the league. I’d have him over Haaland any day of the week. Not a chance we should be letting a club like Chelsea have a player like that, who would catapult them into contenders at our expense. Yes, anywhere between 160-200m would make a world of difference but what do you spend trying to replace the irreplaceable?

Playing out of his skin, creating assist after assist. Photos appear on internet of him asleep in some woman’s bed. Form goes out the window. Starts making terrible mistakes that directly lead to goals. He wanted away in January, no club lobs an official bid in for a player without having encouragement from a players agent. Dan Burn takes on more of a captains role within the squad. I don’t see how that’s adding 2+2 to get 34.. it’s fairly clear what’s happened.

I’m fairly convinced his mid season blip was fully down to whatever drama was happening at home.. those leaked shots of him in bed that some lass took that we all thought were photoshopped.. am guessing they weren’t? Great player, been a great captain too when focussed.. but he’s a bit of a twat and maybe not the role model a captain of the club should be at present. It felt that last season we were moving on from that almost total dependence on his leadership skills.. Dan Burn in particular stepping up to the plate. And maybe just the smallest hint of a bit of a disconnect between Trippier and the club. Maybe it’s nothing a bit of a break and coming back to a new preseason can’t resolve but if it’s going to be an ongoing issue, it might suit both parties to move on.

I like the look of him but for that sort of money I’d much prefer Diomande if he was available.. which he is if you’re to believe what’s been written.

There’s no way the club would let it go to the brink like that.. we’re a professional outfit these days. Most of the leaks to journos have been intentional and for the most part trying to manipulate various situations. Don’t think this is any different.

Aside from trophies and regular champions league, the club and fans are providing everything he needs to flourish in life. The rest will come. Of our stars, I can’t think of anyone more dedicated to the cause. If he gets made captain, he’ll revel in that responsibility. Was so impressed with how he changed his game slightly to not get booked for so long last season.. he’s still got a lot of improvement in his game which is a scary thought.

Technically, it’s possible. A player can be registered with up to 3 clubs in a season but can only play minutes for 2 of those clubs. However, there’s an intent and integrity part in the rule book which would draw immediate and unwanted attention. If found to be in breach of that.. which we would be, we could get a points deduction, fined or even have a transfer ban slapped on us.

Don’t think it’s a work, I’d say the deal depended on Minteh moving and in the last day or two, better options have appeared for him, including staying here. Looks like the club will sell someone unexpected, which may solve our issues.

Almost like they use Edwards as a vehicle to fill up a focus group.

But Gordon was very young, we knew he had pace to burn and that he was a pressing machine. And no major injury worries. Huge potential that is being realised. DCL does not have the same attributes. He’s been living off a purple patch from 4 years ago and his next injury will probably keep him out for a few months. I don’t get it, I’d honestly rather have Chris Wood back.. at least he’s reliable in terms of his body not breaking down. Its a luxury signing when you know the rest of your squad is 100% - but it’s not though is it.

What’s your point? You think the club are indecisive? Don’t act quickly?

Botman was a late January move that the club wouldn’t accept a bid for.. I think it was nailed on he’d come here unless Milan could match our bid. They didn’t and he wanted to come here anyway so.. Ekitike again, similar but that’s firmly on an asshole agent thinking he was being a smart arse. We agreed the fee with his club fairly quickly. Bruno, first any of us heard about it was when news broke that a bid was accepted. Transfer took a bit to conclude because he was away on international duty.. I think all of that was fairly decisive.

I think if the club had really wanted this player it would have been wrapped up before the euros. It’s not their style to mess about with rejected bids and back and forth shite.. when they want to sign a player they have been decisive. I think we’re still in for the Georgian guy and that will play out when we have the July budget, not saying that Trafford isn’t a viable option, I just think if they wanted him the window was there before the competition started.

Big P’s

Lyon apparently willing to meet the 40m asking price. Something about this just doesn’t feel right, like we’re being done here.. Surely there’s someone else we can move on before end of June that will solve PSR issues.. this lad needs a chance here.

Witness protection?

40m would be a great price for him seeming as he’s never kicked a ball for us. But you would have to ask why clubs would be prepared to pay that amount for someone with so little experience.. his potential is quite possibly far beyond that price. A buy back option would have to be included surely.

So say Wilson moves to West Ham, DCL is just a replacement then. We’ll still most likely go big on a right winger/forward in July or August. Would really rather we took a look at Minteh for pre season but just doesn’t seem to be on the cards at this time. Can’t see Targett staying when we have Hall and Kelly.. so I’d expect him to be moved on too. Kilman could fill the gap of both Lascelles and Botman who will both realistically not be ready until Feb/March So that would leave: RB: Trippier, Tino CB: Krafth, Schär, Burn, Kilman LB: Kelly, Hall And then Alex Murphy will get a few minutes am sure. Midfield we should hopefully have: Bruno, Tonali, Willock, Joelinton, Miley, Longstaff, Anderson Forwards: Gordon, Isak, DCL, Murphy, Barnes, (new right forward) Now questions arise.. does this squad look better than previous seasons? Does it look like top 4 contenders? Injury free, see no reason why not but if Willock misses most of the season we may well have a midfield that suffers the same issues as last season. Still lacks a bit of pace.. and teams who decide to play straight through them will still cause issues. I’d still like to see us go and get a proper holding midfielder that allows Bruno to push up.

That miss in the FA cup was really quite something. Hes a good lad though, have no animosity toward him, even for the goals he scored against us last season.

It depends on who you talk to. More people play GAA games here than football as the whole organisation is amazing for grassroots. I have my 5 year old training every Saturday and although he hasn’t a clue yet he loves it. Now for going and watching those games.. the average league matches would have a fairly low turnout.. it’s only really when it gets to the All Ireland stages where the crowds turn up in massive numbers. Local League of Ireland football has had something of a resurgence in the last 10/15 years.. crowds are up for most clubs and a few teams have done a little better in the European competitions. Still very difficult to hold onto the best prospects though when they’re being pushed toward English clubs, even league 2 is still a good bit ahead so there’s no real reason for them to stay. Rugby has always and will continue to be a sport enjoyed by the middle to upper class which is reflected in the private schools most of the players come from. I’ll always be surprised even with the huge success the Irish team has had, that a certain section of society doesn’t give a fuck about it. (But for what it’s worth I think that also stays true for how Rugby is viewed in the UK as well?)

Am starting to think the England job is tailor made for him.

The man-bun would have to go..