Optimistic Nut

Never thought he'd leave this summer even if the elite wanted him. Think he knows he owes us a season extra. Beyond that, it's just like any other elite player. We'll do our best to keep him, he probably won't kick up a fuss to leave, but if Real Madrid, etc come in offering mega bucks to us and wages, he'll have a decision.

Think somewhere between £15-20m would be a good fee for us and for Leeds.

If they get CL football then it's paid off, though they're going to be doing it without a highly paid player if they do.

They've spent about £250m this year and been caught up by the likes of Bournemouth, Brentford & Fulham. I know it's a tough position to be in but they're very underwhelming.

You'd think they were about to finish top 3 looking at those ratings.

They'd have got through Club Bruges with. I extra signings. CL qualification in the balance. Don't think it's worked out as well as expected on paper.

Reminds me of Gary Hooper

If we beat Brighton I think we all but mathematically secure it v Chelsea.

Also interesting to see how many who do win the title early, still have Champions League or an FA Cup Final to play for which could lead them to taking their foot off a bit. Liverpool playing freely will beat Chelsea I reckon, whereas if they were about to play Inter or Barcelona for example over two legs, they'd not.

If/when the time comes, I hope our first title is like the Liverpool one this season just so it's easier on the nerves. None of this Aguero in the 94th minute, or having to come from 0-2 at HT on the last game to win 3-2 like City have had to endure. Save those for maybe the 3rd or 4th ones.

It's fine having a buyback clause but only really means anything if the player actually wants to go back. If Chelsea are going to wave ridiculous money in front of a player, they'll more often than not get their man.

Sounds like Kevin Nolan.

Don't hate Forest but I want them to fail for our benefit obviously. If we were guaranteed top 4 for example, I'd love to see them finish 5th.

He's been pretty average, hasn't he? Ouch.

Is this the way to Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Benfica.

£200m net spend and they've been caught up by the likes of Brentford, Bournemouth, Fulham, Palace. Massive summer for them, . I don't see many of the players they've spent £250m or so on in the last year going on for huge profits based on this season.

Only real danger with these is the next 2-3 on the conveyor belt trying to impress to get their big move (Baleba, Mitoma...). Hipster version of Mike Ashley's Newcastle. It'll come unstuck soon enough.

In a squad of 25, he's probably fine to keep on the books if he's between 20-25th in terms of ability. Not sure he's good enough to be one of our first substitution or rotation options if we're in the CL next season.

Dunston with a good chance of joining Morpeth, Hebburn, etc at level 3.

Hearts sack Critchley. Was always a weird appointment but been terrible the last month after getting them out of the relegation zone. Since he replaced Naismith, Hearts have linked up with Bloom & Brighton so they'll probably get a hipster appointment.

Table since after the draw at Palace.

Better cameo than his last few sub appearances. Did well.

Sort of linked to this, but annoys me the way Burn gets involved with pushing and shoving before a corner is taken. I know he's trying to create a yard of space but just feel like we could win a few easy penalties a season if he just lets the defender crack on with manhandling him.

3/6 in. Leeds probably need to win their last 2 games. Inter is 50/50 with Napoli. Fenerbahce now 2 points behind Galatasaray, whose game in hand is away to 5th in the table tomorrow. It's still alive at least!

First Cup Final winning captain we sign since Beasant?