Thiago

I was pleasantly surprised watching his highlight comp for Villa. Seems technically sound, content to get forward but more focused on defending.

I can't understand turning down Birmingham. The optics of that decision are horrific.

He's not wrong though. The half life on their story of being shite cuts drastically every year they don't go up. Yes, we can discuss 'where they should be' and all that but they aren't.

At least we know it's agreed with the player.

Right, and I'm saying I don't want a player who isn't sure of himself moving. We've seen far too many come here because of external pressure.

Get some crosses in for the lad to attack.

So why has Guimares done it? I'm not speaking ill of the lad, but if that was me and it was a chance to jump up a level and really test myself my age wouldn't bother me at all. You're going to be playing with better players, against better players. Even if he signs and we go down, he could be back in France on loan come the summer. It's fine we can agree to disagree.

That makes it sound like he's coming for an office job.

Can't imagine he's starting games, but as a baseball style closer he'll do fine.

From your posts you seemed like a learned man, but had you heard of this kid before January 1? Now if your issue is we haven't signed a second striker period I agree, there was a need given Wilson's injury, but I wouldn't want to disrespect Wood entirely. We had to move quickly to get him in for the games against Watford and Leeds and I think he's added a physical presence and a more direct option. We could have bought Zapata, or this kid, and you're hoping they hit the ground running too. I'm very skeptical of Ligue 1 forwards just because this is a level that Emmanuel Riviere found comfortable. We need big characters this season. Not sure this kid is him.

I am ready for JLingz.

My hot take is - good. He had a chance to back his talent and make a big move. If he really thinks he can't break into a team in our position he's not the one we want or need. I wouldn't want a player that needs his arm twisting to join this project.

The idea of it being a job full of potential isn't true anymore either. I think Gus Poyet might have said it after he left, but there's something toxic about the atmosphere and it has only become more pronounced in recent years.

You work in football mate?

That's already been shot down.

Between that and his Lampard piece Douglas has had an inauspicious start with iNews. You'd think someone that spent so long on this patch would have contacts for us. Also, hasn't Bailey been wrong a lot this month?

The whole club needs a deep breathe. Ian Evatt did a fantastic job turning Bolton around and even then they didn't piss the league last year. Their last three coaches have seen two men with 'a vision' in Ross and Johnson and one defensive manager masking as a pragmatist in Parkinson. They've started to sign younger players and be slightly more intelligent with some of their business, but the problem with signing so many young players is that their level of performance can fluctuate. The spine of that side yesterday had some few leaders in it, and when one of the few good ones is heading past his own goalkeeper you know you're in trouble. If they're determined to get another 'I have my way' type then they need to accept it'll take a minimum of two full seasons to see results.

The loss alone showed they'd given up the little oik. He looked fucking broken afterwards too.

The Ashley Approach.

Forgive me, posted in the wrong thread. Curious who this is: https://www.givemesport.com/1830420-newcastle-transfer-news-magpies-on-verge-of-agreeing-166m-striker-deal

The father, amazingly, is being measured in incredibly difficult circumstances. It would seem he's just found out his daughter may have been raped and abused by someone they considered family and welcomed into their home. Would you prefer he said 'I'm going to kick the cunt's head in when I see him?' Legal cases like this are fraught with pitfalls and require delicacy. I'm not a lawyer, so am unable to give expert specifics, but there may be a reason this potential evidence getting out is bad. I think You and a few others should take a breathe, believe in the justice system, and hope that the young girl involved gets all of the help and support she needs during what is a difficult time. I've been disgusted to read suggestions of victim blaming here today, be it with Harriet or her father. They've committed no crime here. Mason Greenwood has been accused of a very serious one. Domestic violence is a horrible situation to be in, and its victims are often a bundle of emotions because they are fighting against fear and love and often manipulated into staying around. If we wish to ascribe scrutiny - we should ask Man Utd what they knew of this, not a young girl and her family.

https://www.givemesport.com/1830420-newcastle-transfer-news-magpies-on-verge-of-agreeing-166m-striker-deal

Goodnight sweet prince.

Not desperate for Nketiah tbh. Burn I'm happy to be wrong on, but nothing suggests Nketiah is close to being a Premier League striker.

But I didn't say it would be mental for signings mate