suewhistle

We've got Van Dijk, Virgil Van Dijk! I don't think his agent understands He's playing with the kids, career is on the skids We've got Virgil Van Dijk!

Agree with your post and not being privy to any information other than that bandied about so liberally by the media and some on here, wasn't in a position to decide or make any pronouncement. I drink a lot of tea but that doesn't mean I believe the readings in the bottom of the cup. I think Foxy's point is also a good one. I'm sure there is always informal contact: no point getting the lawyers in and beavering away on the detail if the player won't even countenance the move for whatever reason: family stability, kids in school, playing time, career progression.

I'm glad we had a hard-boiled attitude with VVD.

In the Guardian final transfer day blog by David Hytner:

Could be worse, we could be Arsenal..

It's best to ignore him like most of us do most of the time.

As ever I will ask for a management precis/summary of the best bits. Thank you for your work. :-)

What position does he play. What position will West Ham play him in?

I really find all this curious that professional players can't use their weaker foot. I made a grand total of two assists last year, one a cross with my left and the other with my stronger, usual right, purely based on need and where I happened to be on the pitch at the time. It frustrates me that this doesn't happen more, and if it did it would keep the defenders on their toes as they can't assume what the attacker will do. As for the lack of assists from JWP's crosses - I wouldn't use that as a criticism of the crosses themselves...

"key player" eh?

Can we use fruit in blown cans?

Ah. Shame, I don't like Vodka..

All have some of what you've been drinking...

Which one did you go in? The Rat and Ratchet was very good - see earlier in the thread.. I stayed the night with friends near Halifax and many of the pubs had TT Landlord, so I was happy. It was a long drive back on the Sunday though, even if traffic was fine. There's been a few OTT comments on here. It wasn't the worst game ever, we got a point and could have nicked it, but a draw was a reasonable result. We'd have done better against Arsenal, I reckon! There's still a confidence issue with the whole team, but I can see signs of snappier movement and forward passing, but only in patches. Huddersfield seemed to be relying on their team spirit and promotion momentum. Friendly fans though, and I hope they stay up. Suggestions for relegation.. West Ham? Crystal Palace? Arsenal? ;-)

Messengers around here get hung, drawn and quartered. Not by me, I hasten to add. :-)

Well, I'm rewarding myself with another Landlord at the station whilst waiting for my train as the football was so crop.. Stephens had a bad game and gave the ball away or into touch too many times. Bertrand doesn't seem to enjoy playing football and Redmond is just not very good, often outpaced and out muscled and choosing the wrong ball. As a team we were outfought and they got many of the second balls.JWP played well when he came on and made some good runs, kept himself and the ball moving. But we've somehow got to give Gabbiadini more support and service.

TT Landlord, Kings Head £3.10...

Aren't you assuming a bit?

King Rat £3.15 a pint. In footballing news the Huddersfield fans I spoke to would be happy with a point: "first decent team we've met"..

Pint of Sepp Ratter £3. I'm going to get half cut doing research for John B.

My pint of White Rat cost me £2.75. When I asked where it was brewed he said "6 feet below you".. I imagine most Saints fans will be nearer the centre and I might stroll via the pub at the station. I'm not wearing colours, home or away, but I've got my scarf in my bag just to annoy the super cool guys.

Having my first pint in the Rat and Ratchet brewpub. I'll think about formations and line ups after a couple... Last time I was here we lost 3-1. If we can reverse that I'll be happy..

I'm already up in Yorkshire and today I thought I was going to blank a day's fishing but caught a 2lb trout with my last cast, so I'm going with a one nil last minute win with a goal from an unexpected player. Hmm, that doesn't really narrow it down much, does it?

If he wasn't going to get the ball (and I don't think he would have got an on-target header) there was no need to push him, was there? So back to the defender making a stupid mistake... You could say it was a soft penalty to -give away - but it was West Ham being generous, not the ref.

Well, effing teach them the songs then.